Tree with branches on one side and a brain on the other

Motivated Memory and Successful Aging Lab at WCU

Welcome to the Motivated Memory and
Successful Aging Lab at
​Western Carolina University!

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mary Whatley

Who We Are

The Motivated Memory and Successful Aging Lab at WCU conducts research on motivational factors that contribute to successful learning and memory across the adult lifespan. Our research examines how information value, curiosity, and learning goals affect how people learn, both in the classroom and in everyday life from younger adulthood into older adulthood. We are also interested in factors related to successful aging, including the relationship between cognition and successful aging.

Lab News

Ryan Springs presents at Psychonomics

Masters student, Ryan Springs, presented his research in the lab at the Annual Meeting of the Psychonomic Society in November, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Congratulations, Ryan!

Science Weekly Podcast

Our research was featured on The Guardian’s Science Weekly podcast! Click to find a link to listen.

Research featured in the news

Dr. Whatley's research on state and trait curiosity across the adult lifespan has been featured in the news. Read the stories below. New York Post Forbes The Times​ UCLA Newsroom Release