Dr. Cassondra Eng
Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
Bio
Dr. Cassondra (Cassie) Eng is an Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience in the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership and Affiliate Faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine. She earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and Developmental Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University, where she completed the Institute of Education Sciences (IES)-funded Program in Interdisciplinary Education Research (PIER) graduate fellowship, receiving multidisciplinary training in the learning sciences, education research, and evidence-based instructional practices. She subsequently completed an NIH-funded T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sports Neuroscience at Stanford University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research.
Dr. Eng integrates wearable neuroimaging (functional near-infrared spectroscopy; fNIRS), eye tracking, physiological sensing, psychometrics, and immersive technologies (XR/VR/AR) to investigate human cognition and physical performance in dynamic, naturalistic environments across the lifespan. Her research spans infancy through adulthood, providing expertise in how cognitive and neural processes develop, adapt, and respond to environmental and technological contexts. Her work advances cognitive readiness, resilience, and neuroplasticity through the development and evaluation of immersive technologies that enhance attention, decision-making, learning, and brain health. Through interdisciplinary collaborations spanning cognitive neuroscience, learning sciences, sports science, neurobiology, engineering, and human-computer interaction, she translates advances in brain science into practical solutions for military, educational, and medical applications.
Education
NIH T32 Sports Neuroscience Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University (2022–2025)
Ph.D., Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University (2016–2022)
Program in Interdisciplinary Education Research Graduate Fellow, Carnegie Mellon University (2016–2022)
M.S., Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University (2016–2019)
NIH Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program Fellow, Virginia Tech (2015–2016)
IES Abroad, International Language & Area Studies, Barcelona, Spain (2014)
B.S., Psychology and Neuroscience, with University Honors, The Pennsylvania State University (2011–2015)
Professional Experience
Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. (2026–Present)
Affiliate Faculty, Division of Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif. (2025–Present)
Research Neuroscientist, Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. (2025–2026)
Educational Technology Consultant, Summer Apprenticeship, The VR/AR Association, Pittsburgh, Pa. (2020)
Postbaccalaureate Research Scholar, Cognition, Affect, and Psychophysiology Lab, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. (2015–2016)
Research Assistant, Development and Neuroendocrine Basis of Cognition and Behavior, Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. (2013–2015)
LeaderShape Institute On-Site Coordinator, Penn State Student Affairs, Leadership & Development, University Park, Pa. (2013)
Honors & Awards
NARSAD Young Investigator Grant, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, PI, Jeanne Marie Lee Investigator, $70,000 (2025–2027)
U.S. Air Force Academy Team of the Year, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center (2025)
U.S. Air Force Academy 4QTR Team Award, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center (2025)
Major Grant, Stanford University Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, PI, $9,500 (2025)
Stanford University Conference Grant, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, PI, $1,500 (2025)
Sigma Xi Full Membership Nomination, The Scientific Research Honor Society (2025)
Stanford University Star Mentor Award, Bio-X Undergraduate Summer Research Program (2024)
Best Postdoc Mentor Award, Proteintech Biotechnology Group, selected from 400+ global nominations, $1,000 (2024)
Wiley Top Downloaded Article, Developmental Science, Top 10% of Most Downloaded Publications in First Year (2024)
Bio-X Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship, Stanford University, PI, $9,000 (2024)
Stanford University Star Mentor Award, Bio-X Undergraduate Summer Research Program (2023)
Early Career Research Contributions Conference Award, Society for Research in Child Development (2023)
Bio-X Travel Award, Stanford University (2023)
Flux Society Conference Award, Flux Society for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, (2023)
1st Place, Sigma Xi Presentation Competition, University-wide and College-wide, Carnegie Mellon University Meeting of the Minds Symposium, PI (2023)
Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Experimental Computational Biology Research, Carnegie Mellon University, PI (2023)
Trailblazing Trainee Program Grant, Stanford University School of Medicine, PI, $3,500 (2023)
Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute NeURO Fellowship, Stanford University, PI, $7,500 (2023)
Bio-X Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship, Stanford University, PI, $7,500 (2023)
NIH T32 Postdoctoral Research Training Fellowship, Stanford University, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Division of Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences, $227,355 (2022–2025)
National Science Foundation-sponsored Cognitive Development Society Conference Award (2022)
Invited Commencement Speaker, Carnegie Mellon University Diploma Ceremony (2022)
Cognitive Development Society Conference Award, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Student Assembly & Office of the Provost (2022)
Dick Hayes Outstanding Graduate Service Award, Carnegie Mellon University (2022)
Small Undergraduate Research Crosswalk Grant, Carnegie Mellon University, PI, $2,000 (2022)
Top Presentation Award, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, PI (2021)
Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award, Carnegie Mellon University Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences (2021)
International Society for Developmental Psychobiology Travel Award, NIH/NICHD (2021)
People’s Choice Poster Award, International Society for Developmental Psychobiology (2021)
The Society for Research in Child Development Conference Award, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Student Assembly & Office of the Provost (2021)
Roberta Klatzky Outstanding Publication Award, Carnegie Mellon University (2021)
Dick Hayes Departmental Service Award, Carnegie Mellon University Department of Psychology (2021)
Small Undergraduate Research Grant, Carnegie Mellon University, PI, $1,000 (2021)
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Carnegie Mellon University, PI, $3,500 (2021–2022)
Top Presentation Award, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, PI (2020)
Distinguished Scientist Award, Meta Reality Labs Research (2020)
The International Conference on Immersive Learning Conference Award, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Student Assembly & Office of the Provost (2020)
Student and Early Career Council Dissertation Research Grant, Society for Research in Child Development, PI, $2,000 (2020)
Dietrich College Presidential Fellowship, Carnegie Mellon University, $73,884.90 (2020–2021)
Scholarly Project Research Grant, Carnegie Mellon University Office of the Provost, PI, $750 (2020)
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Carnegie Mellon University, PI, $3,500 (2020–2021)
Top Presentation Award, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, PI (2019)
Society for Research in Child Development Conference Award, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Student Assembly & Office of the Provost (2019)
Top Graduate Student Research Symposium Award, National Science Foundation-sponsored Game-Based Assessment Conference, $1,086 (2019)
International Society for Developmental Psychobiology Travel Award, NIH/NICHD (2019)
Graduate Travel Award, Society for Research in Child Development (2019)
2nd Place Award for Outstanding Research in Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University Meeting of the Minds Symposium (2019)
Society for Neuroscience Conference Award, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Student Assembly & Office of the Provost (2018)
International Society for Developmental Psychobiology Travel Award, NIH/NICHD (2018)
Cognitive Development Society Conference Award, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Student Assembly & Office of the Provost (2017)
Program in Interdisciplinary Education Research Fellowship, Institute of Education Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, $192,000 (2016–2020)
International Society for Developmental Psychobiology Travel Award, NIH/NICHD (2016)
ISDP Conference Award, Carnegie Mellon University Graduate Student Assembly & Office of the Provost (2016)
Research and Scholarly Interests
Cognitive & Developmental Neuroscience, Attention & Executive Function, Neuroplasticity, Neuroergonomics, Wearable Neuroimaging, Virtual & Extended Reality, Human Performance, Adaptive Human–Technology Systems
Publications
- †Denotes Eng as senior author; * denotes cadet or student mentee.
Eng, C.M., *Fung, H., Bostrom, S.R., *Stouder, K.I., *Niemi, S., *Alves, J.J., Holman, D.M., Li, R., Reiss, A.L., de Visser, E.J., & Niemeyer, R.E. Wearable fNIRS in dynamic virtual reality: Toward brain-in-the-loop neuroergonomics. Frontiers in Neuroergonomics. (2026)
Li, R., Dybvik, H., Feng, D., Eng, C.M., Lee, C., Bartholomay, K., Zhang, Y., Lightbody, A., & Reiss, A.L. Atypical inter-brain synchrony and social communication: Evidence from functional near-infrared spectroscopy hyperscanning. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 1–12. (2026)
*Brand, O., Thiessen, E.D., & †Eng, C.M. Enhancing physical activity enjoyment through cognitively demanding VR: Individual differences in engagement and cardiovascular response. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 26(2), 100685. (2026)
Eng, C.M., *Niemi, S., *Fung, H., Li, R., Wetzstein, G., & Reiss, A.L. Inside the immersive mind: Brain activity during dynamic VR interaction using mobile neuroimaging. IEEE International Symposium on Emerging Metaverse, 4, 90–94. (2025)
Eng, C.M., Vargas, R., *Fung, H., *Niemi, S., *Pocsai, M., Fisher, A.V., & Thiessen, E.D. Prefrontal cortex intrinsic functional connectivity and executive function in early childhood and early adulthood using fNIRS. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 74, 101570. (2025)
Eng, C.M., Patton, L.A., & Bell, M.A. Infant attention and frontal EEG neuromarkers of childhood ADHD. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 101524. (2025)
Eng, C.M., *Tsegai-Moore, A., & Fisher, A.V. Incorporating evidence-based gamification and machine learning to assess preschool executive function: A feasibility study. Brain Sciences, 14(5), 451. (2024)
Blumberg, F.C., Flynn, R.M., Homer, B.D., Bailey, J.O., Eng, C.M., Green, C.S., Giannakos, M., Papadakis, S., & Gentile, D.A. Current state of play: Children’s learning in the context of digital games. Journal of Children and Media, 1–7. (2024)
Eng, C.M., Flynn, R., Thiessen, E.D., & Fisher, A.V. A literature review on the effects of exergame interventions on executive function in youth. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 4(3). (2023)
Eng, C.M., *Brand, O., *Bulusu, M., *Bodden, C., *Bachar, S., *Prasad, A., Thiessen, E.D., Fisher, A.V., & Reiss, A.L. Promoting cognitive, motor, and brain development in enriching virtual reality contexts for gameplay. Proceedings of the Jean Piaget Society: Bringing Theory to the Forefront of Developmental Neuroscience, 52, Madrid, Spain. (2023)
Eng, C.M., Li, R., *Bachar, S., Bartholomay, K., Lee, C., Piccirilli, A., Lightbody, A., & Reiss, A.L. Unifying neurobiological, computational, environmental, and clinical studies to advance developmental research: A multimethodological approach. Proceedings of the Society for Research in Child Development. (2023)
Eng, C.M., *Fulton, V., *Morón, S., *Pocsai, M., Thiessen, E.D., & Fisher, A.V. Longitudinal investigation of executive function development employing task-based, teacher reports, and fNIRS multimethodology in 4- to 5-year-old children. Developmental Science, 25(6), e13328. (2022)
*Boyd, M., Godwin, K., *Gurchiek, E., Fisher, A.V., & †Eng, C.M. Low spatial proximity between text and illustrations improves children’s comprehension and attention: An eye tracking study. Cognitive Science, 44, 2178–2184. (2022)
Eng, C.M., Godwin, K., & Fisher, A.V. Leveraging cognitive principles in multimedia learning to optimize e-books for children’s attention and comprehension: Evidence from eye tracking. Proceedings of the Cognitive Development Society. (2022)
Eng, C.M., *Gurchiek, E., *Anjur, K., Godwin, K., & Fisher, A.V. The optimal amount of visuals promotes children’s comprehension and attention: An eye tracking study. Cognitive Science, 43, 459–465. (2021)
*Tsegai-Moore, A., Fisher, A.V., & †Eng, C.M. The construct and criterion validity of a cognitive game-based assessment: Cognitive control, academic achievement, and prefrontal cortex connectivity. Cognitive Science Society, 43, 2787–2793. (2021)
Eng, C.M., Godwin, K., *Stanley, O., & Fisher, A.V. When technology is here to stay: Maximizing the potential of e-books for learning in young childhood. Proceedings of the Society for Research in Child Development Biennial Meeting. (2021)
Eng, C.M., Godwin, K., & Fisher, A.V. Keep it simple: Streamlining book illustrations improves attention and comprehension in beginning readers. npj Science of Learning, 5(14), 1–10. (2020)
Eng, C.M., Godwin, K., & Fisher, A.V. When less is more in an increasingly busy world. Nature: Behind the Paper. (2020)
Eng, C.M., *Pocsai, M., Fishburn, F., *Calkosz, D., Thiessen, E.D., & Fisher, A.V. Adaptations of executive function and prefrontal cortex connectivity following exergame play in 4- to 5-year-old children. Cognitive Science, 42, 57–63. (2020)
Eng, C.M., *Calkosz, D., *Yang, Y., *Williams, C., Thiessen, E.D., & Fisher, A.V. Enhancing brain plasticity and cognition utilizing immersive technology and virtual reality contexts for gameplay. Proceedings of the IEEE Immersive Learning Research Network, 6, 395–398. (2020)
Eng, C.M., Tomasic, A.S., & Thiessen, E.D. Contingent responsivity in e-books modeled from quality adult-child interactions: Effects on children’s learning and attention. Developmental Psychology, 56(2), 285–297. (2020)
Eng, C.M., *Pocsai, M., *Williams, N., *Calkosz, D., Thiessen, E.D., & Fisher, A.V. Exergame training of executive function in preschool children: Generalizability and long-term effects. Cognitive Science, 41, 3266–3272. (2019)
Godwin, K., Eng, C.M., Murray, G., & Fisher, A.V. Book design, attention, and reading performance: Current practices and opportunities for optimization. Cognitive Science Society, 41, 1851–1857. (2019)
Fisher, A.V., Eng, C.M., & Godwin, K. The role of attention regulation in reading comprehension in beginning readers. Learning in a Noisy World: Regulating Children’s Attention at Home and at School. Proceedings of the Society for Research in Child Development. (2019)
Eng, C.M., Tomasic, A., & Thiessen, E.D. Contingent responsiveness in digital storybooks: Effects on children’s comprehension and the role of individual differences in attention. Cognitive Science, 40, 342–347. (2018)
Godwin, K., Eng, C.M., Todaro, R., Murray, G., & Fisher, A.V. Examination of the role of book layout, executive function, and processing speed on children’s reading fluency and comprehension. Cognitive Science, 40, 1723–1728. (2018)
Eng, C.M., Tomasic, A., & Thiessen, E.D. Contingent responsiveness in digital books: Effects on children’s comprehension and attention. Proceedings of the Jean Piaget Society: The Dynamics of Development: Process, Inter-Action, & Complexity, 48. (2018)
Eng, C.M., Godwin, K., *Boyle, K., & Fisher, A.V. Effects of illustration details on attention and comprehension in beginning readers. Cognitive Science, 40, 336–341. (2018)
Godwin, K., Eng, C.M., & Fisher, A.V. Gaze shifts between text and illustrations are negatively related to reading fluency in beginning readers. Cognitive Science, 39, 415–420. (2017)
Selected Invited Presentations
Eng, C.M. Fostering cognition & neuroplasticity with interactive technologies and mobile neuroimaging. U.S. Air Force Academy, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, Colorado Springs, CO. (2025)
Eng, C.M. Leveraging educational neuroscience in the age of digital immersion: Fostering cognitive development with interactive technologies and mobile neuroimaging. University of Virginia, Department of Psychology, Charlottesville, VA. (2025)
Eng, C.M. What happens to your brain in virtual worlds? Pint of Science International Conference, Palo Alto, CA. (2025)
Eng, C.M. Utility of fNIRS to investigate cognitive and brain functioning in real-world contexts. Yale University, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT. (2024)
Eng, C.M. VR in neuroscience: How immersive games impact the brain. Stanford University Medical Humanities, Video Games for Health Program, Stanford, CA. (2024)
Eng, C.M. Leveraging educational neuroscience to optimize active gameplay contexts that promote executive function skills and brain plasticity. Science of Learning Symposium, Jacobs Foundation/Flux Society Conference, Santa Rosa, CA. (2023)
Eng, C.M. Executive functioning, prefrontal cortex development, and technology. University of Connecticut, Department of Psychological Sciences, Mansfield, CT. (2023)
Eng, C.M. Immersive game-based exercise interventions to improve brain and cognitive functioning. Trinity College, Department of Psychology, Hartford, CT. (2023)
Eng, C.M. Leveraging educational neuroscience to optimize technology-enhanced contexts that promote physical fitness, executive function, and brain development. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Chapel Hill, NC. (2022)
Eng, C.M. Immersive exercise contexts to promote neurological, cognitive, and physical health. Stanford University Computational Imaging Lab/Center for Image Systems Engineering, Stanford, CA. (2022)