Dr. Barbara Oakley of Oakland University will present the address “Learning How to Learn: Insights from Neuroscience (and Zombies!)” twice at Hope College on Monday, March 30.

She will present the talk both at 4 p.m. in room 1019 of the A. Paul Schaap Science Center, and at 7:30 p.m. in Winants Auditorium of Graves Hall.

The public is invited to attend either lecture.  Admission is free.

The presentation is based on Oakley’s book “A Mind for Numbers,” which was ranked 14th on the “New York Times” Best Seller list for science books in August 2014, and draws on neuroscience and cognitive psychology to explain how the brain works in regard to learning.  Using humorous and accessible examples, Oakley shares practical and effective techniques and methods for mastering tough subjects while at the same time reducing anxiety, getting enough sleep and applying oneself without trying too hard. Her presentation of how people learn is applicable to learners and teachers of all ages, across all disciplines.

Oakley is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers, and an engineering professor at Oakland University.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Slavic languages and literature at the University of Washington, she worked for four years in Germany as a signal officer in the U.S. Army, and rose to become a captain. While completing a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, she worked several fishing seasons as a Russian translator on Soviet trawlers in the Bering Sea and spent a season as the radio operator at the South Pole Station in Antarctica. While working as an engineer and raising young children she completed her Master of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering in 1995, and a Ph.D. in systems engineering in 1998 from Oakland University.

While on campus, Oakley will also meet with groups of faculty and students through a variety of events earlier in the day.

Graves Hall is located at 263 College Ave., between 10th and 12th streets.  The A. Paul Schaap Science Center is located at 35 E. 12th St., at 12th Street and College Avenue.