An Introduction to the Three Stages of the Memory Process

University student Matthew “Matt” Kafker focuses much of his schooling on four main fields: computer science, physics, math, and literature. Over the years, Matt Kafker has taken dozens or classes relating to these academic interests, as well as courses in psychology.

One of the more basic concepts of psychology is that of memory. According to most psychologists, the human memory process involved three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval.

The process of receiving and combining information from the outside world is referred to as encoding or registration. During encoding, the brain perceives visual, semantic, and acoustic stimuli from a person’s surroundings and uses them to either create a short-term or long-term memory. When creating short-term memories, the encoding process is more shallow since these types of memories are easily forgotten.

Once encoded, the brain stores information in several different areas. It’s believed that most adults are capable of storing between five and nine short-term memories that are about zero to 30 seconds long. Meanwhile, they are capable of storing an unlimited amount of long-term memories. Despite this ability to have an unlimited number of long-term memories, humans rarely remember every memory for their entire lives. This has always been a controversial subject that is mostly tied to the retrieval stage of memory.

The final stage of memory involves calling back stored information for use in an activity or process. In many cases, this recall ability is a response to a cue that has been tied to the creation of the memory, such as a specific smell or sound. One of the most common reasons why memory fails is because a person loses the ability to retrieve specific memories. However, issues with memory can stem from any of the three stages of the memory process.

Key Health Benefits of Dreaming During the REM Sleep Phase

Matthew Kafker is dedicated to his university studies and holds diverse interests in linguistics, literature, physics, mathematics, microbiology, and computer science. In his spare time, Matthew Kafker also enjoys listening to classical music by Johannes Brahms and is learning about topics such as mythology and ancient cultures, the old testament, and the health effects of dreaming.

Dreaming positively impacts human well-being by easing emotional stressors experienced during time awake. Research suggests that experiencing dreams during REM-sleep helps to provide resolution to these emotional problems by the morning time. During dreams, key memory and emotional-related brain structures are reactivated during REM sleep, the only time when the anxiety causing hormone noradrenaline is not present in the brain. When this reactivation occurs, stressful memories can be processed in a calmer and safer environment because noradrenaline is not present.

Creativity and problem solving are also enhanced during dreaming that occurs with REM sleep. It’s at this time that the brain can process vast amounts of acquired knowledge to find answers to previously unsolvable problems and combine memories in novel ways to enhance creative abilities.

What Is Organizational Psychology?

University student Matthew (Matt) Kafker maintains a full course load as a physics major in Boston. To receive a well-rounded education, Matt Kafker also studies social sciences, including psychology. 

One of the newest branches of psychology is the study of groups and organizations. Emerging in the early 1900s, organizational psychology focuses on the impact of organizations on individual behavior. While most organizational psychologists study behavior in the workplace setting, these professionals can be found in diverse industries, including advertising and education. 

As competition for the best talent increases, organizational psychologists are increasingly in demand. The job outlook for the profession is expected to grow by 8 percent within the upcoming decade.

Organizational psychologists work with companies in-house or as consultants. They use data and research to assess areas such as hiring, retention, and employee well-being. Companies may also work with organizational psychologists to develop and modify training programs and improve workplace diversity initiatives.

Qualities of DNA and RNA

University student Matthew “Matt” Kafker graduated from Middlesex School as a National Merit Commended Student and a National AP Scholar. Since then, he has studied computer science, math, physics, and literature at an undergraduate level. During his pursuit of a physics degree, Matt Kafker has completed courses relating to such areas as biophysics.

A unique scientific field, biophysics explains how all of life works. To this end, it deals with a variety of areas, including topics such as DNA and RNA.

Two of cell biology’s most important molecules, DNA and RNA store and read the genetic information required for all life. Both are structured as strands, and they share the nucleobases of adenine, guanine, and cytosine. 

Further, both DNA and RNA consist of phosphates and sugars. Despite these similarities, the two do not perform the same functions.

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double-stranded molecule. The two strands are in a double-helix form. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a single-stranded molecule, though it does occasionally form a double-helix structure.

Beyond structural differences, the location of DNA and RNA differs. Normally, DNA is found within the nucleus of a cell and sometimes in the mitochondria. Since RNA is primarily responsible for carrying out genetic code transfers according to the DNA’s blueprints, RNA is usually found in different regions of the cytoplasm.

Differences between French and English Vowel Sounds

University student Matthew (Matt) Kafker has a strong interest in linguistics and foreign languages. When he was attending Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts, Matt Kafker was an excellent language student who won accolades for his progress in the French language.

English speakers learning French can improve their pronunciation and listening skills by learning the phonetic differences between the two languages. Distinctive features of French vowels include a lack of diphthongs and the presence of nasal vowels. 

English speakers tend to over-pronounce diphthongs, a sound that is a combination of two vowels when only one vowel is present. French vowels are generally pronounced as they appear. For example, in the French word “sot” (crazy), the final letter “t” is dropped, and the “o” is pronounced sharply.

Further, English does not contain any nasal vowels, while French has four. When forming a nasal vowel, air passes through the mouth and nose simultaneously. 

Unlike English, in which only consonants are nasalized and do not alter a word’s meaning, French nasal vowels are distinct phonemes. For instance, the French words fine (delicate) and fin (end) are only differentiated by the nasal and oral pronunciation of the “i.”

Ernest Hemingway's Later Years

University student Matthew (Matt) Kafker enjoys reading both fiction and nonfiction. One of Matt Kafker's favorite novelists is Ernest Hemingway, a prolific writer who struggled with depression and illness.

Hemingway earned considerable recognition for his work, including the 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature, but his later years were a personal struggle. He continued hunting and fishing in exotic locales and survived multiple plane crashes. 

These and other injuries made him go to Cuba to convalesce. During this time, he wrote the well-known memoir of his time in Paris, A Moveable Feast.

Hemingway’s physical and mental health continued to deteriorate, however, even as he continued to write. He moved from Cuba to Idaho, where he would spend the rest of his life, though neither his physical nor mental health recovered completely. In 1961, Hemingway committed suicide, leaving behind a legacy as a legendary writer who faced great personal struggles.

The Comedy Career of John Mulaney

University student Matthew (Matt) Kafker enjoys watching stand-up comedy in his free time. One of Matt Kafker's favorite stand-up comedians is John Mulaney, a former writer for Saturday Night Live, who has had a long, circuitous career in comedy.

Mulaney established himself in comedy after he graduated from Georgetown University, where he studied English and theology. After a successful run as a stand-up comic, he joined Saturday Night Live's writing staff, where he helped create the popular character "Stefon." 

Mulaney left SNL in 2014 to perform in a self-titled sitcom, but the series was unsuccessful. He blamed himself for many elements of the show's failure, though he also attributes some of the sitcom's weaknesses to creative changes made during its move to a different television network.

After his show was canceled, Mulaney returned to stand-up comedy, honing a reputation for the precise use of language and a bitterness that seemed unusual for a comedian under 40. While his success has come primarily from comedy enthusiasts rather than the mainstream audience, Mulaney returned to SNL in early 2018, but this time as the week's host. He remains optimistic about his long-term prospects in comedy.

How to Prepare for Mindfulness Meditation

Matthew (Matt) Kafker, a dedicated university student, divides his time between coursework and research. In his free time, Matt Kafker practices mindfulness meditation.

Helping practitioners reduce stress, increase their productivity, and boost their feelings of happiness, mindfulness meditation sessions should last only five to 10 minutes in the beginning. These sessions can be performed in the morning and evening, or just once a day, depending on each person’s schedule. From there, the length of sessions can gradually increase to an hour.

Before starting, practitioners should set the desired length of their session on a timer. This gives them the ability to clear the mind and focus only on the meditation. 

Practitioners then should find a quiet area and sit in a comfortable position on the floor, a cushion, or a chair. Once seated, practitioners can focus on their upper body. 

The spine should naturally curve and the shoulders and head should be relaxed, not stiff. The upper arms should be parallel to the upper body, and the chin should point slightly downward. From this position, practitioners can begin their meditation.

A Brief Overview of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion

University student Matthew “Matt” Kafker studies a variety of topics, including computer science, math, and literature. However, Matt Kafker is perhaps most interested in natural sciences and is majoring in physics.

In the physics of motion, Sir Isaac Newton’s three laws are:

- First: Objects in motion will stay in motion unless an external force is applied to them. Similarly, objects at rest will continue resting without the addition of an external force.

- Second: An object’s acceleration and force are directly related. For example, when more force is applied to an object, that object will move at a faster rate. At the same time, the mass of an object is inversely related to an object’s force and acceleration.

- Third: All forces exist in pairs that are equal and opposite to one another. An example of this law is seen when a person steps off a boat. The person moving toward the shore is exerting force on the boat. In response to this action, the boat moves away from the shore with the same amount of force that was applied to it.

An Ancient Mesopotamian Underworld Myth

University student Matthew “Matt” Kafker has a passion for physics, mathematics, and statistics. In his free time, Matt Kafker enjoys attending lectures on mythology and ancient cultures and maintains a particular interest in Egyptian, Greek, and Mesopotamian belief systems. 

In addition to a polytheistic religion with many subsets of belief, Mesopotamian cosmology included mythological figures such as Anu, the god of the sky, and Enki, the earth god also responsible for crafts, inventions, and the canals that irrigated the fertile crescent. 

Enlil, the god of the wind, is at the center of one of the ancient civilization’s foundational myths. In the myth, Enlil sleeps with Ninlil, the goddess of grain, after coming upon her bathing in a canal. This union brings forth Su-en (Sin), the moon god, and also results in Enlil’s banishment to the netherworld. 

Ninlil follows Enlil as he travels beneath the earth, bearing him three more sons who grow up to become underworld deities. With these children able to stand in their father’s stead, Enlil and Ninlil are able to return to the world of the living, where they bring abundant harvests and reliable seasons to the people of Mesopotamia.

Belize as a Travel Destination

During his junior and senior years at Middlesex School, Matthew (Matt) Kafker earned several academic awards and was a National AP Scholar and a National Merit Commended student. Matt Kafker also participated in several international service learning opportunities in France and Costa Rica. This sparked his love of travel, which has taken him to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Belize. 

Belize is a country south of Mexico and west of the Caribbean Sea. Tourism to Belize has grown tremendously over the past 15 years. 

However, due to the high cost of imports, Belize is considerably more expensive than its Central American neighbors. Some of the country’s main attractions include its natural beauty, long coastline, and quaint villages. 

Because of a rise in American visitors and the popularity of Belize City as a cruise stop, many American air carriers now offer direct flights to Belize. English is widely spoken in the country, and travelers have many choices in accommodations, including secluded resorts with views of the rain forest or the beach.

Sharing Ideas through TED Talks

Physics major Matthew (Matt) Kafker possesses diverse academic interests, including astrophysics, mythology, and ancient Greek history. Matt Kafker often listens to informative and educational podcasts and lectures, including the popular TED Talks. 

TED Conferences began more than 30 years ago to introduce innovations in technology, entertainment, and design (“TED”) to a wider audience. Today, TED Talks cover diverse topics, including health, business, education, science, and economics. TED Talks have been streamed over a billion times by listeners all over the world. 

Outside of official TED Conferences held annually, thousands of organizations, colleges, and research institutions organize their own speakers under the brand TEDx. These local conferences must adhere to a set of rules to maintain a TED license.

For example, local organizers must ensure that speakers represent different industries and that the conference does not have any promotional undertones. Also, since TEDx is intended to provide a platform for new ideas and perspectives, professional motivational speakers and well-known life coaches are generally not permitted to participate.

Mitch Hedberg’s Short Life and Career

The physics major, Matthew “Matt” Kafker, takes physics, math, computer science, and literature courses as a university student. In his free time, he enjoys listening to stand-up comedy. Matt Kafker is particularly fond of Mitch Hedberg among other comedians.

Known for his unique humor and comedy style, Mitch Hedberg was born in Minnesota in 1968. He completed his formal education at Saint Paul’s Harding High School and subsequently moved to Florida due to the state’s warmer weather. While there, he enhanced his comedic skills before moving again to reach new audiences. After his move to Seattle, he began to tour in the Pacific Northwest.

Although Hedberg performed in numerous cities, including Los Angeles, and appeared on several cable television shows, such as “Comedy Product” on Comedy Central and “Comikaze” on MTV, he did not experience a major breakthrough until 1996. In that year, he performed at the Just for Laughs Montreal International Comedy Festival and earned a spot on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”

The following year, he won the Seattle Comedy Competition’s grand prize and subsequently appeared on “That ’70s Show.” His reputation continued to bring him success. He debuted in the feature film “Los Enchiladas!” in 1999. Then he appeared on several addition television shows between 2000 and 2004 and recorded comedy CDs, the last of which was released in 2008 following his death in 2005.

When to Visit Barbados

Physics major Matthew (Matt) Kafker is a dedicated university student who earned several academic awards as a high school student at Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. Passionate about travel, Matt Kafker has visited several other countries, including the island country of Barbados.

Generally, the climate in Barbados is warm, with daytime highs between 75 and 85 degrees. However, the area does experience wet and dry seasons that impact the things tourists can enjoy on their vacations. 

Typically, the best time to visit Barbados is between July and November. While there is rain during these months, prices are much lower, and visitors can enjoy several key events, including the Reef Bowl and the Crop Over Festival.

When winter starts, prices on the island increase. December through April, Barbados sees the largest number of tourists. Hurricane season is over in these months, so the improved weather draws even more people.

In May and June, temperatures are comfortable, but crowds begin decreasing. Hurricane season begins, which results in lower hotel and air travel prices and smaller crowds.

James Gleick’s Fascinating Look at Our Obsession with Time Travel

An honors graduate of Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts, Matthew (“Matt”) Kafker currently pursues university studies in mathematics, physics, and literature. To further his understanding of science, Matt Kafker reads a number of different authors who focus on subjects like physics, including James Gleick. Known for his books Chaos and The Information, James Gleick published Time Travel: A History in 2016. 

Named one of the best books of the year by both The Boston Globe and The Atlantic, Time Travel looks at the concept of moving through time through the lens of both popular culture and science. From its origins in literature when the very idea seemed ludicrous to modern debates among physicists and technologists, Gleick looks at how the public perception of time travel has evolved and the boundary between fiction and reality has shifted.

What makes Gleick’s narrative about time travel so compelling is the way in which he relates it to the modern age of connectivity and instantaneous experience. He relates the obsession with time travel to the all-consuming present moment in a way that will make people think about the world in new terms.

10 Percent Happier Raises Millions Toward Release of Meditation App

Matthew (Matt) Kafker graduated from Middlesex School in Massachusetts and is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree. One of his passions outside of class is mindfulness meditation, an interest that he explores through the podcast 10% Happier. This podcast is the outgrowth of Dan Harris’ book of the same name. Recently, Dan Harris has helped in the development of a 10% Happier meditation app that has already raised about $5 million in funding.

The 10% Happier app is tailored for people who do not buy into the idea of meditation. In many ways, the app is aimed at people like Harris, who was a skeptic until he experienced a panic attack while on air as an anchorman. He decided he needed to try something new and he documents his journey in the 10% Happier book.

Originally, the app went by the name Change Collective and sought Harris out to design a single course for meditators. Because his course was so different from the others developed, the app brought him on board as a co-founder and rebranded itself.

Candide and the Lisbon Earthquake

A graduate of the Middlesex School in Massachusetts, Matthew “Matt” Kafker studies literature, linguistics, physics, and other subjects as a university student. An avid reader during his free time, Matt Kafker is currently reading Voltaire’s Candide, among other works.

Widely considered to be one of the most important writers of the Enlightenment period in Europe, Voltaire was born in the late 17th century to a prominent family in Paris. A gifted student, he soon began to develop a reputation for his writing skill and his iconoclastic ideas that challenged the political and religious authorities of the day. Throughout his life, he explored the philosophical ideas of the Enlightenment in many essays, stories, and plays, but the short satirical novel Candide has proved to be the most enduring of his works.

The novel traces the adventures of the eponymous character, Candide, as he moves from a place of privileged optimism into the harsh reality of the world, encountering war, disease, and natural disasters along the way. One real-life event that found its way into Candide’s pages was the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. The earthquake, which registered 9.0 on the Richter scale, killed more than a third of Lisbon’s population and destroyed much of the city.

The event had a major impact on the philosophers and religious thinkers of the day, many of whom saw the earthquake as an argument against a beneficent God. Voltaire was also greatly impacted by the disaster and used it as an episode in Candide’s journey away from boundless optimism.

Mindfulness Meditation Helps with Depression

A university student and community volunteer, Matthew “Matt” Kafker has participated in two international volunteer missions through the Global Works organization. During his free time, Matt Kafker pursues a healthy lifestyle that includes practicing mindfulness meditation.

A discipline that dates back thousands of years to Eastern religions and spiritual practices, mindfulness meditation involves the practitioner paying attention to the present moment through mantras, conscious breathing exercises, or other methods. The practice has made its way into mainstream Western culture over the past few decades through the efforts of yoga practitioners, religious gurus, and scientists such as Jon Kabat-Zinn, a Harvard-based researcher and doctor who popularized the connection between mindful meditation and improved health.

In recent years, a growing body of evidence suggests that mindfulness meditation has beneficial effects for insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, and a host of other medical issues. Additionally, researchers are finding that mindfulness meditation, along with a mindfulness meditation-based treatment called mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), can help with depression as well.

For example, recent studies have shown that mindfulness meditation and MBCT can be effective in preventing patients with controlled depression from sliding back into depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, in 2014, a meta-study published in JAMA Internal Medicine looked at nearly 50 studies on the link between mindfulness and depression and found that mindfulness meditation offers the same level of benefit for individuals with depression as medication does.

MIT Ranked Top University for Physics Majors

As a high school student, Matthew (Matt) Kafker earned the Andrew M. Dawson Physics Prize, an honor bestowed on students who excel in their studies. Currently, Matt Kafker is taking on a well-rounded course load in math, computer science, and literature while working toward an undergraduate degree in physics.

Each year, major research and academic institutions are ranked to determine which universities are the best for a given subject. Physics departments are usually scored based on the academic achievements of their faculty and the career prospects of their graduates. 

In 2018, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge was recognized as the top school for physics in U.S. News and World Report’s education rankings. MIT’s robust research program allows undergraduates to obtain extensive theoretical and practical knowledge in the field. The university awards nearly 600 bachelor and graduate level degrees in physics every year.

While the majority of the top universities for physics majors are located in the US, there are many notable institutions worldwide, such as Oxford University in the UK and the University of Tokyo in Japan.

5 Qualities of a Great Volunteer

Matt Kafker is an active university student interested in physics, math, computer science, and literature. Dedicated to promoting the welfare of others, Matt Kafker has volunteered with organizations including the Pine Street Inn homeless shelter, Open Door Food Pantry, and Greater Boston Food Bank. 

Being an effective volunteer requires a specific set of skills. The following are five strengths that a volunteer should have:

1. Awareness. A helpful volunteer identifies people’s needs and finds ways to meet them by using the knowledge they have gained from their life experience and training.

2. Reliability. Volunteering requires a commitment to completing volunteer activities on a regular schedule.

3. Compassion. Volunteers are empathic to the situations that impact those that they serve.

4. Self-confidence. Being able to receive constructive criticism helps a volunteer learn how to provide better service while developing his or her skills. 

5. Enthusiasm. Having a positive attitude and passion for the work being done is vital to making a successful contribution.