Frequently Asked Questions

The PCfN is a diverse interdisciplinary group that only exists because of our partnerships. Unfortunately, our time and resources are limited, but we strive to return all interest inquiries in a timely manner. We hope that the following information can be useful.

Do you offer consulting services?

Yes! In the past we have consulted on projects for architecture firms, health and wellness organizations, and arts nonprofits. If you feel a partnership with the PCfN could be fruitful, please email us.

Dr. Chatterjee is also available for speaking engagements.  

Are you accepting students?

We are no longer accepting applications for undergraduate research assistants. For a thesis project over the 2026-27 academic year, please reach out in January 2026.

We welcome up to 3 students per year for independent study credit who work on a neuroaesthetics-related research project under the guidance of a postdoc mentor. Students are expected to attend weekly lab meeting in-person and commit approximately 10 hours/week to lab-related work. Our undergraduate students are treated as full-fledged lab members, so we look for students who demonstrate passion and responsibility.

If you are interested in this opportunity, or have a question related to a school project, please email Bella for more information.

Unfortunately we are not able to work with high school students or students outside the Philadelphia area.

Do you offer a short course in Neuroaesthetics?

Our approach to the field is as scientists trained to conduct primary research. There is no shortcut to develop the skills - including statistics, experimental design, and scientific writing - necessary for that kind of work. 

If your interest is more casual, here is a reading list we recommend:

• The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art by Anjan Chatterjee
• Brain, Beauty, and Art: Essays Bringing Neuroaesthetics into Focus. Edited by Anjan Chatterjee and Eileen Cardillo.
• Feeling Beauty: The Neuroscience of Aesthetic Experience by G. Gabrielle Starr
• Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsaman and Ivy Ross

The NeuroArts Resource Center features scholarly and popular media in this domain on an almost daily basis!

Is there a graduate program?

The PCfN does not accept graduate students. If you are enrolled in a PhD program related to neuroaesthetics and are interested in doing a rotation in our lab, please email Dr. Cardillo and copy your supervisor. 

Some of the labs listed here may be recruiting graduate students:

• Affiliates of APA Division 10: Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts
• Affiliates of the International Association for Empirical Aesthetics
• Affiliates of the Society for the Neuroscience of Creativity

For a Masters program, we recommend the MSc Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics & Creativity at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Will you provide feedback on my research plan?

We do not have the bandwidth to provide feedback or mentorship for students outside our lab.

Can I volunteer at the lab?

No, we cannot accept volunteers.