Zachary A. Caddick, PhD
Cognitive Scientist | Science Policy
Alexandria, VA
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Alexandria, VA
Email
Github
Google Scholar
LinkedIn
ORCID
OSF
ResearchGate
About Me
I am a cognitive psychologist with a robust background in research, currently transitioning to a role in science policy at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia. With over a decade of experience in psychology, design, data, statistics, and programming, I am passionate about leveraging scientific insights to inform policy and improve public outcomes. My new position allows me to apply my research skills to broader societal challenges, bridging the gap between scientific research and policy implementation.
I thrive on understanding how people process information, investigating influences such as prior experiences, personal beliefs, motivation, and states of consciousness like fatigue and circadian rhythms on decision-making and learning.
Research History
My research journey has delved into how psychological factors like prior experiences and beliefs influence learning and decision-making. My master's thesis at San José State University explored how motivations impact judgments about climate change arguments, published in Thinking & Reasoning. Another significant project during my master’s at the University of Pittsburgh examined learning dynamics in complex environments, resulting in a publication in Cognitive Science.
During my PhD, I focused on the development of expertise among physicians, conducting a comprehensive literature review that led to five published manuscripts and a special journal issue on the cognitive science of medical expertise. Before my doctoral studies, I was a research associate at NASA’s Human Systems Integration Division, where I tackled human performance issues and contributed to guidelines for sleep environments on long-duration space missions.
My dissertation, funded by a Mellon Fellowship, created a novel framework to explore collective decision-making in voting, producing insights on voter preferences and understanding of different voting systems.
My recent postdoctoral research at Oregon Health & Science University melded my interests in decision-making and sleep. I spearheaded innovative research on how insufficient sleep influences susceptibility to misinformation. Additionally, I led studies examining the effects of sleep and circadian rhythms on health and cognitive performance.
Personal Hobbies & Interests
In my free time, I indulge in a variety of hobbies that span music—listening, playing, and attending concerts—hockey, hiking, and rock climbing. I also enjoy programming, statistical challenges, and design-related side projects. My culinary interests include baking and food fermentation. Additionally, I am keen on watching interviews and lectures, exploring random topics deeply, and continually embracing new hobbies.
I am a cognitive psychologist with a robust background in research, currently transitioning to a role in science policy at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia. With over a decade of experience in psychology, design, data, statistics, and programming, I am passionate about leveraging scientific insights to inform policy and improve public outcomes. My new position allows me to apply my research skills to broader societal challenges, bridging the gap between scientific research and policy implementation.
I thrive on understanding how people process information, investigating influences such as prior experiences, personal beliefs, motivation, and states of consciousness like fatigue and circadian rhythms on decision-making and learning.
Research History
My research journey has delved into how psychological factors like prior experiences and beliefs influence learning and decision-making. My master's thesis at San José State University explored how motivations impact judgments about climate change arguments, published in Thinking & Reasoning. Another significant project during my master’s at the University of Pittsburgh examined learning dynamics in complex environments, resulting in a publication in Cognitive Science.
During my PhD, I focused on the development of expertise among physicians, conducting a comprehensive literature review that led to five published manuscripts and a special journal issue on the cognitive science of medical expertise. Before my doctoral studies, I was a research associate at NASA’s Human Systems Integration Division, where I tackled human performance issues and contributed to guidelines for sleep environments on long-duration space missions.
My dissertation, funded by a Mellon Fellowship, created a novel framework to explore collective decision-making in voting, producing insights on voter preferences and understanding of different voting systems.
My recent postdoctoral research at Oregon Health & Science University melded my interests in decision-making and sleep. I spearheaded innovative research on how insufficient sleep influences susceptibility to misinformation. Additionally, I led studies examining the effects of sleep and circadian rhythms on health and cognitive performance.
Personal Hobbies & Interests
In my free time, I indulge in a variety of hobbies that span music—listening, playing, and attending concerts—hockey, hiking, and rock climbing. I also enjoy programming, statistical challenges, and design-related side projects. My culinary interests include baking and food fermentation. Additionally, I am keen on watching interviews and lectures, exploring random topics deeply, and continually embracing new hobbies.