Cognitive Science Students Association
Academic Societies·Research·Community Service/Nonprofit·Education
CSSA is the undergraduate org for anyone interested in the interdisciplinary field of cognitive science at Berkeley. Weekly general meetings cover everything from guest speakers on brain-machine interfaces and theoretical neuroscience to hands-on demos like tasting food with Miracle Berries. Internal members help organize the annual California Cognitive Science Conference and get priority access to professor dinners, lab tours, and social events. The resources page also guides members through research programs, honors theses, and career opportunities.
Events They Host
California Cognitive Science Conference (CCSC)
Annual all-day symposium open to students, researchers, and the general public. Features talks by prominent scientists and a poster session where undergraduates present original research alongside graduate students and professional researchers. Top posters are awarded prizes. Free tickets for students and faculty; general admission tickets available for purchase. Sells out every year.
Neuroscience Outreach at Local Schools
CSSA members visit local schools to teach basic neuroscience through presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and open discussions. Topics include neuroanatomy, language and thought, brain-computer interfaces, and memory improvement. Each lesson features a preserved human brain for students to touch and hold.
Why Cog Sci? Academic/Career Events
Events featuring presentations on the various disciplines of cognitive science, interactive demonstrations, and an overview of major requirements. Open to anyone considering or already in the cognitive science major.
Member Experiences
Weekly General Meetings
Weekly themed meetings open to all. Past topics include tasting food with Miracle Berries, debunking cognitive science movie myths, a discussion on brain-machine interfaces led by a graduate student from Professor Carmena's lab, a presentation by the Cognitive Technology group, and a talk on theoretical neuroscience from a Redwood Center graduate student.
Professors Eat Too (Professor-Student Dinners)
Social dinners with CogSci faculty members. Priority access given to internal members.
Lab Tours
Tours of research labs. Priority access given to internal members.
Exploratorium Outing
Past outing to a themed night at the Exploratorium.
Karaoke Night
Social karaoke event for members.