​Derek Pavelka is a research assistant in the BrAIC lab. His role is to analyze resting-state fMRI, cognitive, and behavioral data by using various computational and statistical methods. He received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics and political science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2022 and is currently finishing a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from there. His future goals include entering an MD/PhD program where he can further pursue a career in both clinical and research settings.