• Visual perception
• Computational modelling of visual processing
• Visual imagery and memory
• Cortical reorganisation following damage or disease

Research in my lab seeks to understand the neural mechanisms underpinning visual perception and memory in the human brian. In particular, my work focuses on understanding how cortical regions develop functional specialisations (e.g. for faces or words) and how such specialisations interact with other cortical systems, such as memory. My lab uses a diverse set of neuroimaging and neurostimulaton techniques including fMRI, EEG and TMS. These are combined with eye-tracking and behavioural psychophysics to bring converging evidence to bear on these questions. 

Current research projects are investigating:

• The influence of visual field biases on categorical representations
• The impact of retinal gene therapy on patients with retinal disease
• The neural mechanisms linking vision with memory

I study visual perception and memory using behavioural, computational and neuroscience techniques. The primary areas of my research are (1) understanding the ways that different regions of visual cortex operate and interact in order for us to make sense of complex visual environments, (2) understand how vision and memory interact with each other and (3) assessing the impact of brain damage/disease on the function of the visual cortex. My research in these areas aims to understand and answer fundamental questions about how the visual brain works in order to better aid those with visual deficits.

September 2019:  Lecturer in Visual Perception and Cognition, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, the University of Edinburgh.

2018-August 2019:  Research Fellow, Section on Learning and Plasticity, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health. Advisor: Dr. Chris Baker.

2014-2018:  Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow, Section on Learning and Plasticity, Laboratory of Brain  and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health. Advisor: Dr. Chris Baker.

2010-2013:  Teaching mentor, Department of Psychology, University of York, UK

2010-2013:   Tutor, Department of Psychology, University of York, UK

2014-Present:  Trained 6 postbaccalaureate students and 4 postdoctoral research fellows in the application and delivery of neurostimulation techniques.

2014-Present:  Delivered bi-annual training and orientation on neurostimulation procedures to members of the Laboratory of Brain and Cognition (~60 members) at the National Institutes of Health.

2010-2013:  Co-supervised four BSc and two MSc dissertations (totaling 18 students) on cortical visual processing at the University of York, UK

2013:  Delivered a workshop on neurostimulation techniques to the early career researchers forum composed of ~30 graduate, postdoc and early career faculty

2017-present: Active collaboration with Dr. McCklosky at the Johns Hopkins University investigating the effect of cortical lesions on visual processing.

2016-present: Active collaboration with Dr. Ashtari and Dr. Benett at the University of Pennsylvania, investigating the feasibility of population receptive field modelling as an outcome measure for retinal gene therapy in patients with Choroideremia.

2010-2013: Involved in the data acquisition of visual responsiveness in patients with Macular Degeneration, under the guidance of Professor Antony Morland at the University of York, UK.