Research

Ongoing Projects

I am currently working on several studies investigating the cognitive and neural basis of emotion regulation, emotion processing and empathy.

For instance, we are examining emotion regulation in people who report feeling Depersonalised using a variety of methods. One study involves a brain scanning method called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with rapid data transfer and analysis methods (real-time fMRI). This technique allows us to fedback to participants information about their levels of brain activation, just a few seconds after we have collected the data. Providing 'neural feedback' from key emotion-processing areas of the brain, may help participants learn to regulate their emotions more effectively.

We are also investigating empathy in Asperger's Syndrome. One study uses fMRI to look at the brain areas activated when people with Asperger's Syndrome view dynamic emotional stimuli. This data tells us about the kind of the strategies people with autistic spectrum disorders use to navigate the social world.

I am also interested in the development of brain function and the processes of neural plasticity (the ability of the brain to change and adapt) across the lifespan. To this end am involved in a research programme studying brain development and function in adults who were born very 'preterm' i.e. before 33 weeks gestation.