Dear Colleagues, 

I’m pleased to announce the opening of the new Behavioral Research Lab. This state-of-the-art facility is located on the lower level of Mendoza in the former Café Commons space and the adjacent computer classroom. We are scheduled to move in by early June, with full operations launching in time for the fall semester.

The new lab reflects Mendoza’s continued commitment to advancing research and innovation. Designed specifically for behavioral studies, the lab is outfitted with advanced technology and supported by a dedicated team of research assistants. It will serve our current behavioral research faculty and warmly welcome new faculty affiliates from across the College.

Key Goals for the Behavioral Lab

The lab marks an exciting new chapter for the behavioral research program. Our primary goals include:

1. Fostering innovation and technology-driven research through enhanced infrastructure.
2. Supporting robust data collection in a professional environment staffed by trained research assistants. 
3. Expanding in-person participant engagement to include the broader Notre Dame student community, neighboring campuses, University staff and research panel members.
4. Providing accessible, flexible spaces for studies offering Mendoza class credit or researcher-funded compensation.

Lab Facilities

The lab includes several distinct spaces designed to meet a range of research needs:

• Waiting/Check-In Room: Accommodates 36 participants, featuring two displays (including a hallway digital sign) and a paperless check-in system. This flexible space also supports training and debriefing sessions.
• Biometric Rooms: Includes two rooms, each equipped with a participant and research assistant station, separated by a movable divider. Each room includes two ceiling-mounted Vaddio RoboFLIP cameras. The iMotions platform features include: 
• Screen-based eye tracking
• Facial expression analysis and galvanic skin response
• A pair of eye-tracking glasses from Pupil Labs for mobile field studies
• Computer Lab: Consists of a 36-seat lab with front and rear displays, table-mounted displays, removable privacy dividers and a mobile charging cart with 15 Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headsets. Designed for flexible, team-based research. 
• Team Rooms: Includes four rooms, each with a round table for four, display computer and two RoboFLIP cameras — ideal for small-group studies and collaboration.
• Conference Room: Seats eight and includes a display, computer and two RoboFLIP cameras. Perfect for consultations, simulations and breakout sessions.
• Kitchen, Storage & AV Control: Features a microwave, sink, full-size refrigerator and ample storage for study-related materials, food and beverage samples. A dedicated AV control area manages centralized recording systems.

Research Assistant Support

Beth Smith, who rejoined Mendoza this year as a professional research staff member, will oversee lab operations. Beth and the student research team will support study implementation, participant recruitment, data entry and coding, and online research tasks. Beth will also manage room and equipment scheduling to ensure smooth operations.

We’re excited to welcome faculty, students and research panel participants to the Behavioral Research lab this fall. Thank you for your continued support as we grow the Behavioral Research Program at Mendoza.

Warm regards,

Letecia N. McKinney

Sr. Behavioral Research Program Director
Mendoza College of Business