Lou Cozolino, an expert on neuroscience and relationship building, will discuss how emerging research on the brain can help teachers become more effective in the classroom at the next Education on the Edge lecture on Thursday, May 8, at California State University, Northridge.

Cozolino is a psychology professor at Pepperdine University and the author of several books on the brain and how humans make relationships, including “The Social Neuroscience of Education: Optimizing Attachment and Learning in the Classroom.”  His presentation, sponsored by CSUN’s Center for Teaching and Learning, is scheduled to take place from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Northridge Center of the University Student Union, located on the east side of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

“Dr. Cozolino has an exceptional reputation as a speaker, and we are excited that he is continuing our focus on cutting-edge research to practice in education,” said Wendy W. Murawski, executive director and Eisner Endowed Chair at the Center for Teaching and Learning. “His topic is one with which many are not familiar with. So, we know he will be opening our eyes to what we, as educators, parents and administrators, can do to further help all students.”

Cozolino holds degrees in philosophy and theology from Harvard University and State University of New York, as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology from UCLA. He has conducted empirical research in schizophrenia, the long-term impact of stress and matters of child abuse.

In his most recent book, “The Social Neuroscience of Education,” Cozolino argues that teachers can use the latest research in brain science — from studies that show that close, supportive relationships stimulate positive emotions, neuroplasticity and learning to studies that show an awareness of how the mind, brain and body are interwoven can lead to an improvement of classroom performance.

The Education on the Edge speaker series is free and open to the public. However, reservations are required. To reserve a seat, register at http://www.CTLcozolino.eventbrite.com.

CSUN’s Center for Teaching and Learning is the research, collaboration and professional development arm of the Michael D. Eisner College of Education. Through the center’s coordinator, faculty from departments across the college are able to conduct cutting-edge research and professional development to address the needs of schools in collaboration with K-12 teachers, administrators and community members.

The center was established in the summer of 2002, thanks to a generous gift from the Eisner Foundation, the family foundation of Michael and Jane Eisner. The center initially focused on neurodevelopment and how knowledge of those constructs can be taught to teachers and ultimately impact the way they teach and the way students learn. During the past few years, the center has broadened its scope. Faculty and affiliates of the center are researching, analyzing and teaching multiple innovative approaches to instruction, assessment, educational planning, collaboration, differentiation and professional development.