BRENDAN PULS – CURRICULUM VITAE
Brain, Language, and Computation Lab, Penn State University
456 Moore Building, University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-933-2122, Email: bwp120@psu.edu
CURRENT RESEARCH
Though until recently I worked in microbial geochemistry and environmental science, I have
redirected my career and am currently enrolled in the Neuroscience graduate program at Penn
State University. My research focuses on the cognitive neuroscience of language learning with
special regard to adult second language acquisition. Through my research, I hope to combine
computational neural models with fMRI studies to better understand the optimal conditions for
adults to become proficient in a second language.
EDUCATION
Penn State University, University Park, PA
 Ph.D., Neuroscience (projected for 2018)
2013-Present
Penn State University, University Park, PA
2007-2013
 M.S., Geosciences
 G.P.A.: 3.9
 Thesis: “The role of flavins secreted by Shewanella during microbial Fe3+ reduction”
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
1999-2003
 B.S., Geology
 G.P.A.: 4.0
 Thesis: “The evolution of Osmium isotopes in the Earth’s mantle via the study of Tibetan
and North Chinese ophiolites”
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, Brain, Language, and Computation Lab, University Park, PA
2012-Present
 Wrote scripts and performed cognitive linguistic modeling calculations in MATLAB using
the SOM Toolbox
 Developed and wrote a research proposal, “A computational model of second language
learning: Effects of immersion and inhibitory control”, for an NSF solicitation
 Made improvements to an online language history questionnaire (LHQ 2.0) in HTML and
PHP including design changes, multilingual support, and user account functionality
Research Assistant, Environmental Chemistry Lab, University Park, PA
2007-2013
 Wrote scripts and performed biogeochemical molecular modeling calculations in various
software including Gaussian, NWChem, and Materials Studio

Performed laboratory tasks including biochemical and geochemical sample preparation,
bacterial cell culturing, and spectroscopic and thermochemical data collection
Research Assistant, Geochemistry Lab, College Park, MD
2000-2003
 Wrote software to manage laboratory data in MATLAB, Visual C++, and Visual Basic for
Applications (VBA) for Microsoft Excel
 Performed laboratory tasks including geochemical sample preparation, rock processing,
and spectroscopic data collection
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Ryan Family Student Center Writing Tutor, University Park, PA
2012-2013
 Provided writing tutoring and help on writing assignments and application materials for
undergraduate students of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
 Developed and organized a graduate student panel for undergraduate students
 Provided workshops on topics of interest
 Helped design and implement the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Undergraduate
Poster Exhibition
 Supported writing initiatives including the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Grundy
Haven Paper Competition
Teaching Assistant, University Park, PA
2010-2012
 Provided instructional help with Environmental Earth Science (EARTH 100), Geology of
National Parks (GEOSC 010), and Geology of Oil and Gas (GEOSC 454)
 Provided personal and group tutoring
 Coordinated with ANGEL Support to resolve technical problems
 Provided three guest lectures for EARTH 100
 Managed a team of Teaching Assistants for GEOSC 010
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Environmental Scientist, Building Consultants, Inc., Ellicott City, MD
2003-2007
 Performed Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, Construction Monitoring, and
Wetlands Delineations to meet liability obligations and address concerns for developers,
banks, and other clients
 Responsibilities included technical writing, document review, historical and regulatory
research conducted at government facilities, site inspections, interviews, and chemical
testing of soil, water, and building materials
PUBLICATIONS
Zhu M., Puls B., Zhang H., Frandsen C., Kubicki J., Zhang H., Waychunas G. (2013) In situ
structural characterization of Fe3+ dimers in aqueous solutions: Identifications of µ-oxo species.
Inorganic Chemistry 52, 6788-6797.
MANUSCRIPTS IN PRESS OR IN PREPARATION
Li P., Zhang F., Tsai E., Puls B. (2013) Language history questionnaire (LHQ 2.0): A new dynamic
web-based research tool. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, manuscript in press.
Puls B., Kabengi N., Kubicki J., Pierre-Louis A.-M., Stapleton J., Brantley S., Tien M., Strongin D.
The roles of flavins during Fe3+ reduction by Shewanella oneidensis. Manuscript in preparation.
PRESENTATIONS AT PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS
Puls B., Kabengi N., Kubicki J., Rosso K., Tien M. 2011. Molecular modeling of flavins secreted
during microbial Fe3+ reduction. American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2011 Meeting, Denver,
CO. Abstract 18001.
Puls B., Kubicki J., Tien M. 2010. Structural and functional analysis of microbial Fe3+ reduction
mediators. ACS Spring 2010 Meeting, San Francisco, CA. Abstract 14751.
Puls B., Kubicki J., Tien M. 2009. Quantum chemical modeling of microbial Fe3+ reduction. ACS
Spring 2009 Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT. Abstract 1244439.
AWARDS
Graduate Awards:
 Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) User Proposal Award
 Biogeochemistry Funding Award
 CEKA Funding Award
 University Graduate Fellowship
2010
2010
2007-2010
2007-2008
Undergraduate Awards:
 American Mineralogist Undergraduate Award
 Bannekar/Key Scholarship
 National Merit Scholarship
 Maryland Distinguished Scholarship
2003
1999-2003
1999-2003
1999-2003
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Teaching English as a Second Language Certification Course, Oxford Seminars
2012
Wetlands Delineator Certification Course, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
2006