We’re excited to announce the successful launch of our brand-new electroencephalography (EEG) lab—complete with a custom WhisperRoom sound-isolated chamber and a wireless 32-channel Smarting PRO EEG system by mBrainTrain. This state-of-the-art setup allows for high-quality, real-time neurophysiological data collection in a controlled, participant-friendly environment. And this month, we completed our first full study in the space!

The study, a collaboration between researchers in the Departments of Communication and Computer Science, is part of the dissertation work of Jia-Wei (Jessie) Liang, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Computer Science. Jessie’s research examines how perceived fairness in group work emerges—and how bio-sensing data might enhance fairness and team collaboration in real-world settings.

In particular, this project investigates social loafing, a well-documented phenomenon in which individuals exert less effort when working in groups compared to when working alone. Jessie’s study looks at how reward and punishment mechanisms shape people’s perceptions of whether workload is distributed fairly. Working with Associate Professor Hao-Chuan Wang (Computer Science), Ph.D. student Ziyu Zhao, and Associate Professor Richard Huskey (Communication), the team used wireless EEG to measure participants’ neural responses to collaborative tasks and fairness cues.

This interdisciplinary project represents a growing area of interest: how wearable biosensors might support workplace satisfaction, collaboration, and productivity. As these technologies become more ubiquitous and affordable, understanding how to use them ethically and effectively in real-time team environments becomes increasingly important.

The new EEG lab was designed with both scientific rigor and participant comfort in mind. It features:

• A WhisperRoom sound booth that minimizes auditory and electromagnetic interference (<1 milligauss).
• A Smarting PRO 32-channel wireless EEG system, which offers high mobility and signal fidelity, ideal for interactive, naturalistic experimental designs.
• Participant support amenities including secure lockers and a salon sink for post-recording clean-up.
• State-of-art stimulus presentation and computing hardware.

We’re thrilled about this first successful data collection and look forward to many more studies at the intersection of communication, neuroscience, and computer science.