RIT student gains hands-on research experience that sets the stage for a promising future in neuropsychology

Rochester, New York – As Bo Allaby prepares to graduate with her master’s degree in experimental psychology from Rochester Institute of Technology, she already has her eyes set on the future. This fall, she’ll begin doctoral studies in clinical psychology at Wayne State University in Michigan, where she plans to specialize in neuropsychology and study cognitive aging.

For Allaby, the decision to pursue a Ph.D. isn’t just about professional advancement—it’s the next logical step in a journey fueled by deep curiosity about the brain and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

“I’ve really fallen in love with neuropsychological assessment and research,” Allaby said. “Getting my Ph.D. in clinical psychology is the next logical step—it would give me the tools to help people in a deeper, more meaningful way.”

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Her academic work at RIT has focused on cognitive reserve, a concept that explores how the brain copes with aging and injury. Through her research, she’s been digging into what helps some people maintain mental sharpness even in old age or after trauma, while others struggle with early cognitive decline.

“It’s kind of like mental resilience,” she explained. “Why does one person with a brain injury recover faster than another? Or why does someone in their 90s still live independently while another faces early cognitive decline? I want to understand what makes the difference.”

Allaby’s journey began with an online survey study aimed at measuring factors that contribute to cognitive reserve, such as education, job complexity, and mentally stimulating leisure activities. But what started as a simple survey project has now grown into a full-scale, hands-on study in RIT’s Neurobehavioral Lab.

With guidance from psychology professor Rebecca Houston, Allaby expanded the research to include EEG (electroencephalography), a tool that measures brain activity through electrical signals. The team is now investigating whether specific brainwave patterns can reveal how well someone might cope with neurological damage.

The research is both ambitious and personal. Allaby sees it as a way to move beyond textbook theory and into real-world impact.

“Even if my research helps just one person by identifying a cognitive condition early or helping them make sense of what they’re experiencing, it’s worth it,” she said.

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Her work in the lab has not only deepened her understanding of neuropsychological concepts but also given her the opportunity to lead. She’s been training fellow students on how to run EEG tests and perform neuropsychological assessments—skills that are typically reserved for more advanced researchers.

“Through this research, I’ve learned not just how to collect and analyze data, but how to lead and collaborate,” she said. “That’s going to be essential in a Ph.D. program where mentoring others and managing projects becomes part of the job.”

Allaby is also supported by RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a connection that has given her access to resources and opportunities that have shaped her growth as both a researcher and a leader.

Now, with her master’s degree nearly complete, she’s leaving RIT with more than just a diploma. She’s carrying forward a research project she helped design, a strong grasp of neuropsychological assessment methods, and a clear vision for her future.

“RIT has given me a foundation,” she said. “But I’m ready to take the next step—to go deeper, learn more, and hopefully make a difference in the field of neuropsychology.”
As she begins the next chapter of her academic journey, Allaby is poised to make meaningful contributions to a field that touches millions of lives. With passion, persistence, and purpose, she’s not just studying how the brain works—she’s working to help people live better lives because of what she learns.