BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST · JOURNALIST · AI METHODS
Layne
Groom
I'm a behavioral science researcher with a newsroom background. I rebuild the tasks psychologists use to measure behavior, I write and edit, and I develop AI methods that serve both.
"Take the risk of thinking for yourself. Much more happiness, truth, beauty and wisdom will come to you that way."
— Christopher Hitchens, 2010
give the bubble a nudge — it drifts along as you explore
Behavioral Science
I'm a research assistant in behavioral psychology at Stony Brook University's Office of the Provost — work I moved into from journalism in late 2024. I redevelop the computerized tasks behavioral scientists depend on, design new ones, and build computational models of how people behave.
Behavioral Task Design & Validation
Redeveloping legacy tasks — the BART, PASAT-C, and Mirror Tracing Persistence Task — and designing novel ones aimed at latent traits like insight, distress tolerance, and risk-taking.
Computational Modeling
Built a computational model of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task that competes with, or outperforms, leading models at simulating risk-taking behavior.
Replication & Methodology
Working through the literature to find where computerized tasks break down, and collaborating with researchers across institutions to put their methods on firmer ground.
Flagship Project
Modernizing the Balloon Analogue Risk Task
After working through hundreds of studies and the replication problems running across the BART literature, I rebuilt the task as a free, open-access tool — designated the official version by the BART's original creator.
balloonanaloguerisktask.com ↗Journalism & Media
I spent my newsroom years as an editor — the last set of eyes before publication — and I still write, report, and shoot. This is the part of the site that keeps growing.
Editing
Stony Brook Press · Sept 2023 – May 2025
Lead Copy Editor
The last set of eyes before publication. Copy and line edited every piece that ran in print or online, and revised longform features, news, and opinion through multiple passes — responsible for consistency of voice, structure, and house style.
Compass News · Sept 2022 – May 2023
Editor-in-Chief
Ran the paper from pitch to publication. Edited every submission, worked directly with student writers on structure and AP style, led weekly editorial meetings, and handled print formatting and distribution across Suffolk County Community College.
Selected Writing
Essays forthcoming — section in progress
Lily Desmond: A glance into the life of Brooklyn's busiest violinist
Sea Lemon's fresh approach to shoegaze on EP Stop at Nothing
Sloppy Jane: 'Madison Visual Album' Review
It's official – it's Ball Bearing Day in Bellport
Elmont High School to host free prom attire giveaway
A day for cats and dogs
Selected Video
Packages, features, and class work, 2024–2025.
AI Safety Trailer
Trailer · Spring 2025
CHS Rent Musical
Package · Spring 2025
CHS Newsies Musical
Package · April 2024
Orthopedic vs. Chiropractic Medicine
Feature · Spring 2024
AI Methods
This is where the newsroom and the lab turn out to be the same place. I develop AI methods for behavioral research and teach them across disciplines — the through-line behind both halves of my work.
AI for Task Development
Developing AI-driven approaches to building and validating computerized behavioral tasks — faster iteration without cutting methodological corners.
Faculty Demonstrations
Running demonstrations at Stony Brook that show faculty — behavioral researchers and journalists alike — how to build AI-assisted workflows, save time, and understand where the technology falls short.
Across Disciplines
Carrying these methods between fields that rarely compare notes, from psychology labs to the newsroom, and adapting them to each.
This is the newest thread in my work, and the one expanding most actively — expect this section to fill out as the work does.
About
I'm a behavioral science researcher with a journalism degree — a less unusual pairing than it sounds. I earned an A.A. in Journalism from Suffolk County Community College, then a B.A. in Journalism from Stony Brook University, graduating magna cum laude in May 2025.
My background is editorial: I ran a student paper as editor-in-chief and spent two years as lead copy editor at the Stony Brook Press. In late 2024 I moved into behavioral psychology research, drawn by the same things journalism rewards — methodology, precision, and getting the details right. AI methods are where the two halves meet.
Away from the work, I'm usually discovering new music and going to shows, and I've been a competitive fencer for more than ten years — which has taken me across the country.
Education
B.A. Journalism
Stony Brook University · 2023 – 2025
magna cum laude · GPA 3.7
A.A. Journalism
Suffolk County Community College · 2020 – 2023
Based in
Centereach, New York