Research.

My research examines how leadership, communication, and cognitive regulation shape athlete performance and learning in precision-based sports. I am especially interested in how biofeedback, focus training, and coaching methods can enhance confidence, consistency, and motivation under pressure. My goal is to connect sport psychology and coaching science to improve how athletes and coaches train, lead, and learn.

Senior Thesis Research Project

Effects of Neurofeedback and Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Archery Performance
Barrett Honors College, Arizona State University
Conducted at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista, CA

This study examined how EEG neurofeedback training and vagus nerve stimulation impact physiological and psychological performance factors in elite recurve archers.
Ten Olympic-level athletes participated, with measurements including EEG activity, heart rate, and performance scoring.

Results indicated:

  • A significant reduction in resting heart rate following vagus nerve stimulation

  • A measurable increase in brain efficiency under pressure after neurofeedback training

  • Improved subjective quality ratings and focus consistency among participants

While no significant changes were found in scoring outcomes due to limited duration, findings suggest that consistent neurofeedback and vagus nerve stimulation could produce measurable long-term improvements in precision and focus under competition conditions.

This project was funded by Barrett Honors College, approved through IRB review, and presented at the Arizona State University Barrett Research Symposium, the Arizona Undergraduate Research Conference, and the Association of Applied Sport Psychology Annual Conference.

Select Presentations & Publications

  • Rodriguez, E. (2020). Effects of Neurofeedback and Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Archery Performance. Association of Applied Sport Psychology Annual Conference.

  • Rodriguez, E. (2020). Barrett Honors Symposium Poster Presentation. Arizona State University.

  • Rodriguez, E. (2020). Lack of Sleep Associated with Athletes’ Performance: A Literature Review. ASU Supervised Honors Research Project.

Undergraduate Research Experience

Arizona Twin Project, Arizona State University
Research Assistant | Laboratory of Dr. Leah Doane


As a research assistant in the Arizona Twin Project, I contributed to large-scale longitudinal research examining how genetics and environment interact to influence emotional and physiological regulation in youth.

  • Conducted data entry, coding, and statistical analysis for psychophysiological and behavioral measures.

  • Assisted with data collection on stress physiology, emotional regulation, and sleep patterns.

  • Gained experience in SPSS and research design under Dr. Doane’s supervision.

Independent Honors Research, Arizona State University – Barrett Honors College
Supervisor: Dr. Leah Doane
For my individualized supervised research project, I completed a literature review on the lack of sleep associated with athletes’ performance, which explored how sleep deprivation impairs cognitive control, motivation, and precision.
This project deepened my interest in the connection between physiology, mindset, and high-level performance.

Applied and Future Research

As a Graduate Assistant for the University of Rio Grande Archery Program, I apply principles from performance psychology, leadership research, and coaching science to support athlete development in a collegiate high-performance setting. My work focuses on how communication, feedback, and team culture influence athlete confidence, motivation, and performance consistency.

My research interests include athlete welfare, coaching ethics, and the organizational systems that shape training environments and long-term athlete development. Moving forward, I aim to connect my experience in coaching, research, and international sport with legal and governance frameworks that promote ethical leadership and sustainable athlete development.