Research projects
All Perception & Action Social and Affective Processes Language Clinical Neuroscience Memory fMRI Methods Decision making
Functional localisation of human mirror neuron systems
Attempts to examine the functions of a putative mirror neuron SYSTEM (MNS) have been limited by imprecise methods of functional localisation. For my PhD research I have conducted a series of fMRI experiments, using the CUBIC facilities, specifically designed to test widely accepted MNS functions. These include the ability to differentiate between kinaesthetic properties, and […]

Individual differences in empathy associated with default mode network intrinsic connectivity variability
There is a remarkable overlap between the brain networks associated with empathy and spatial foci of the default mode network (DMN). In our current study we are examining whether individual differences in the core components of empathy are related to default mode network resting state functional connectivity (DMN RS FC).

The neurofunctional and neurochemical correlates of risk taking
We have two main interests. First, our goal is to explore the behavioural and neural correlates of risky decision making in healthy adults. We use a number of imaging techniques (FMRI, MRS) combined with computational modelling techniques to gain a richer understanding of the psychological mechanisms involved in risky decision making. Second, we apply these […]

The effects of selective lesions within the medial temporal lobes on quantitative and qualitative memory function
According to dual process models of recognition memory, patients with selective damage to the hippocampal system should have a selective deficit in the process of recollection only whereas patients with selective damage to the perirhinal system should only demonstrate impaired familiarity. The present project is investigating these predictions in a unique patient with a selective […]

Variation in the serotonin transporter gene and attention to threat
A number of separate studies have demonstrated an association between 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms and attentional bias to emotional information, amygdala response to attended threatening stimuli and trait anxiety. This has led to suggestions that threat bias and amygdala activation may be important endophenotypes in the anxiety disorders as they are putative intermediaries between serotonergic genotype and […]

Amygdala response to faces: the interaction of attention and emotion
There is some uncertainty about the degree to which the amygdala automatically processes unattended faces; valence, perceptual load and location have all been implicated as being moderating factors. In this fMRI study we are manipulating unattended facial valence and position as well as attentional load in an attended task to determine the extent to which […]

An investigation of neurocognitive alterations in early onset cannabis users
Recent evidence shows that cannabis use can impair neurocognitive function among adolescent-onset cannabis users, with more persistent use associated with greater decline (e.g. Meier et al 2012 in PNAS). This project will use neuropsychological and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques to examine cognitive and neurobiological function in a cohort of early onset cannabis users (regular […]

Attentional bias modification for trait anxiety using real-time fMRI neurofeedback
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent of all psychiatric disorders. Difficulty concentrating is symptomatic of anxiety disorders because attention is often compromised by biases to negative information; a fundamental bias observed in anxiety disorders that contributes to symptomology. This proof-of-concept study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a real-time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging neurofeedback […]