Research
Memory & Learning
I am interested in how the brain learns and remembers things. I want to understand the factors that affect memory, such as how novelty, prior knowledge, and curiosity can influence what we remember.
I am also studying ways to improve memory in people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. I believe that by understanding how memory works, we can develop better treatments for these conditions.
Current Projects:
The Power of What We Already Know:
Have you ever had a ‘lightbulb moment’ when learning something new, all because it reminded you of something you already knew? That’s the magic of ‘schema’, or our mental framework, at play. It is like having a mental jigsaw puzzle where prior knowledge helps to fit in new pieces smoothly.
Memory’s Playground – A Minecraft Experiment:
Have you ever played Minecraft? If so, imagine using it as a fun tool to dive deep into the world of memory and learning! Join me as we explore the game’s realms to uncover how our past knowledge shapes our fresh learning experiences. Let the blocks lead the way!
Like Yesterday: Movement, Memory, and Wellbeing
James Hewison and I will be exploring individuals’ personal memories of lived experiences in older adults.
Healthy Ageing & Memory Loss
As we age, changes in our brains naturally occur, affecting how we learn, remember, and process information. Although some degree of memory loss is expected as we get older, it is important to understand that healthy ageing is possible, and certain strategies can help to protect and even enhance our memory.
Our research aims to unravel the complex interplay of factors that contribute to memory decline and to distinguish between normal age-related memory loss and more serious conditions like dementia. By employing advanced neuroimaging techniques, behavioural assessments, and longitudinal studies, we seek to understand the underlying mechanisms of memory loss and to identify strategies that can support cognitive health in older adults.
Unravelling these mysteries will not only improve our understanding of the ageing brain but also pave the way for targeted interventions that can promote healthy cognitive ageing for everyone.
Current Projects:
Ageing Better with an Active Mind
Spatial Navigation
Navigating the world around us is a crucial skill, and the ability to learn and remember routes, landmarks, and locations is an essential part of our daily lives.
Interestingly, our pre-existing knowledge—what we already know about the world—plays a significant role in shaping our spatial navigation skills.
Our research delves into the intricate relationship between prior knowledge, or schema, and our capacity to learn and remember spatial information. We explore how our mental frameworks and past experiences influence the way we process new spatial information, affecting our ability to navigate unfamiliar environments.
Using cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques and behavioural experiments, we are investigating the neural and cognitive processes involved in spatial navigation and how prior knowledge shapes them. Unpacking these complexities will shed light on the ways we perceive, remember, and interact with our surroundings, offering insight into human cognition and the brain’s remarkable capacity to create mental maps.