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Cynthia Nebel, Ph.D.

Associate professor
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience

Courses Taught

Personal and professional development

Education

Ph.D., Psychology, Brain Behavior and Cognition
Washington University in St. Louis

M.A., Psychology, Brain Behavior and Cognition
Washington University in St. Louis

B.S., Psychology
Truman State University

Research Interests

  • Individual differences in self-directed learning
  • Transfer of learning
  • Retrieval practice

Publications and Media Placements

Spence, L.E., Khoury, S.K., Gronewold, A., Regan, M.P., Daly, D.T., & Nebel, C. (2025). Wellness and Work: Anki, Study Habits, and Exam Outcomes in First-Year Medical Students. Medical Science Educator, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-025-02549-8 

Serra, M., Kaminske, A., Nebel, C., & Coppola, K., (2025). The Use of Retrieval Practice in the Health Professions: A State-of-the-Art Review. Behavioral Sciences , 15(7), 974. 

Sumeracki, M. A., Nebel, C. L., Kaminske, A. N., & Kuepper-Tetzel, C. E. (2024). Turning roadblocks into speed bumps: A call for implementation reform in science communication about retrieval practice. Educational Psychology Review, 36(1), 1-16. 

Nebel, C. (2020). Considerations for applying six strategies for effective learning to instruction. 
Medical Science Educator, 30, 9-10. 

Kaminske, A.N., Kuepper-Tetzel, C.E., Nebel, C.L., Sumeracki, M.A., & Ryan, S.P. (2020). 
Transfer: A review for biology and the life sciences. CBE-Life Sciences Education. 

Sumeracki, M., Nebel, C., Kuepper-Tetzel, C., & Kaminske, A. (2023). Ace That Test: A Student’s Guide to Learning Better. Routledge. 

Nebel, C. & Damani, Z. (2024). Uniting Learning Science and Talent Management: Org Scholars. Routledge. 

Honors and Awards

  • Best in Cool Ideas Presentation Award, Innovations in Medical Education Conference (2025) 
  • Active Learning Teaching Fellow, Center for Teaching Excellence & Learning, Washburn University (2018-2019) 
  • Quality Online Course Initiative Certification (2018) 
  • Center for Teaching Excellence & Learning Certificate of Teaching Excellence (2016, 2018) 
  • Teaching Citation, Washington University in St. Louis (2011) 
  • NSF Graduate Fellowship Honorable Mention (2008, 2009) 
  • Valedictorian, Truman State University (2007) 
  • Phi Beta Kappa (2006-present) 

Professional Organizations and Associations

  • Medical Education Learning Specialists, New Learning Specialist Distinct Interest Group Lead Member (2024-2025) 
  • Association for Psychological Science 
  • Psi Chi 
  • Phi Beta Kappa Society 

Community Work and Service