Matt Alderson Death, Obituary – Dr. Matt Alderson passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 22, 2022; the Department of Psychology is saddened to report his departure and extends their condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Soon after beginning his employment at Oregon State University in 2008, Dr. Alderson gained a reputation for being an esteemed instructor and colleague. His studies into the possible neurocognitive impairments associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder focused mostly on working memory as its primary area of inquiry (ADHD).
The research institution that was headed by Dr. Alderson and was known as the Center for Research on Attention and Behavior was able to provide comprehensive and free evaluations to primary school students who lived in Stillwater and the surrounding communities. At this particular institution of higher learning, he guided the research endeavors of more than eighty undergraduate students and ten graduate students. Dr. Alderson was a talented musician who sang, played guitar, and wrote songs. His repertoire included a wide range of musical styles.
Two of the local bands counted him as a member at one point. He was somewhat aback to discover that manufacturing guitars was a hobby he not only enjoyed but also excelled at. In particular, he had a soft place for felines, Labrador retrievers, and geckos, and he was the kind of person who would stop his car to assist turtles in crossing the road. His laugh was infectious, he never took life too seriously, he was committed to his family, and he was a rabid fan of the Auburn Tigers football team. During this difficult time, we want Dr. Alderson’s family, as well as all of his present and former students, to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, December 13, at three o’clock, the department will be holding a get-together of a more casual type in commemoration of Dr. Alderson in the parlor of the Social Sciences and Humanities building on the OSU campus. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.