Elizabeth Ortega ’27
My passion for cognitive science began in my sophomore year of high school when I realized how much I loved exploring diverse fields. From robotics to Ethics Bowl to mental health advocacy, I thrived in interdisciplinary spaces that challenged me to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives. Cognitive science, with its blend of psychology, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy, felt like the perfect academic home for my curiosity.
After matching to Â鶹´«Ã½ through the QuestBridge National College Match, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant, supportive community. Knowing that cognitive science was my calling, I started taking major-related courses right away—beginning with Introduction to Cognitive Science with Professor Abrams. This course was fascinating. We explored foundational theories and experiments, and for my final project, I conducted my research, analyzing whether bilingual participants would experience greater Stroop interference (slower color-naming response times) when switching between Spanish and English. This project sparked my interest in the cognitive mechanisms behind decision-making and language processing.
Another standout experience was Animal Cognition with Professor Bar-Sever, a seminar-style class where I connected with incredible peers in the Linguistics & Cognitive Science (LGCS) Department. My research in this class focused on fairness perception in primates—investigating how cooperation among monkeys is influenced by their sensitivity to justice and the incentives tied to fair versus unfair scenarios.
As some cognitive science students gravitate toward linguistics, I also explored this path by taking Introduction to Linguistics and Phonology with Professor Toni Cook and Corpus Linguistics with Professor Bar-Sever. These courses expanded my understanding of language structure and data-driven linguistic analysis, adding a new dimension to my cognitive science studies.
One of the most rewarding aspects of studying cognitive science at Pomona is the ability to shape the major around personal interests. Students can propose their concentration, which allows for a highly customized academic journey. After taking a Human-Centered Design course at The Hive, everything clicked for me—I knew I wanted to focus on usability, human-centered design, and human-computer interaction. This led me to propose a concentration called Human-Centered Systems and Usability Engineering, integrating coursework in psychology, design, computer science, and environmental analysis.
Beyond coursework, I also serve as a liaison for the LGCS department, where I help foster connections between students and faculty. This role has allowed me to engage more deeply with the department, support my peers, and contribute to events that bring our community together. Cognitive science at Pomona has allowed me to explore a limitless range of topics while staying rooted in hands-on learning and interdisciplinary thinking. Whether studying perception, language, or design, I love how this major allows me to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications.