Roberto Vargas (they/he)

Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow

Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology Department

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

1. What are your academic and/or professional goals? My research largely focuses on understanding how people represent conceptual information both at the behavioral and neural level (using fMRI) and how concept maps--reflecting a collective set of concept associations--influence decisions we make. Critically, I examine this topic through an ecologically conscious lens by asking how facets of our identity (e.g., race; gender; economic background) and our informational ecosystems (e.g., bias from news sources; social environment) are reflected in social biases we hold and the decisions we make when engaging with our societal environment (e.g., public-serving institutions).
2. Tell us about a significant moment in your journey at CMU so far. Considering I have been affiliated with the university for ~9 years now, I have had so many significant moments at CMU. It’s hard to decide whether it was moving here to work as a research assistant, the day I heard I got into graduate school, or whether it was receiving the email notifying me that I was awarded the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship. Recently, I would say it was a De Fer opening in Hunt Library. Their light roast is incredible.
3. What do you like to do in your time away from academic work? As a hobbyist scholar of pop culture, I watch a lot of movies. As of March 1, I am 19 movies into my goal to watch 100 previously unseen movies this year. Other than that, I do a lot of cooking (mostly Mexican food), lift weights, and play Dungeons and Dragons when the opportunity arises.
4. Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with? Even though the espresso martini from DiAnoia’s or the “Killer Tofu” appetizer from Soju would both be prime candidates, I have to go with Hook’s Fish and Chicken, the six-piece chicken tender dinner with no slaw and “extra seasoning.” Wash it down with an ice-cold Coke Zero; it will change your life.
5. What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh? It’s the best city no one knows about. Breathtaking views around every corner; plenty of green space; amazing food and drinks in tucked away places; it’s affordable and accessible; it feels like one big friendly neighborhood. I would stay here forever if I could.