Headshot portrait of Colin Liu - Bio-X Undergraduate Fellow
2025 Undergraduate Summer Research Program Participant

Home Department: Biology
Mentor: H. Craig Heller (Biology)

“Understanding and Mitigating Heat-Induced Cognitive Impairment"

In occupations that are prone to heat-related injury, such as athletes, construction workers, and emergency responders, the risk of cognitive impairment due to heat is relatively unexplored. Colin’s research project will focus on understanding heat-induced cognitive impairment, and hether it can be mitigated using a novel cooling therapy developed by Professor H. Craig Heller. Cognitive function—specifically impulse inhibition/aggression, working memory, and complex problem solving—will be measured using a psychological toolset. Ultimately, the findings of this project can be used to improve performance and safety in the workplace.