Introducing Dr Elise Rowe: Our CNH March Post-Doc Feature Story
What are you research interests?
My research is primarily in the fields of behavioural and clinical neuroscience. I utilize various neuroimaging modalities, including EEG, fMRI, DWI, and OP-MEG, along with computational modelling to explore a range of research questions.
My behavioural neuroscience research focuses on exploring how attention, awareness and expectations shape how we experience the world. The questions I examine here are: (1) whether the prefrontal cortex is required for our awareness of the world around us, (2) how subcortical pathways can relay unconscious information and (3) how the predictive coding framework can enhance our understanding of brain function.
My clinical neuroscience research explores: (1) whether perceptual alterations in individuals with psychosis stem from disruptions in sensory input or how that input is interpreted, and (2) the neurobiological mechanisms underlying treatment-resistant psychosis.
What inspired you to pursue this research topic?
I’ve always been fascinated by how the brain shapes our perception of the world. What I love most about the field of neuroscience is the ability to 'see' inside the brain with neuroimaging techniques. It’s inspiring that, despite all we've learned about the brain, there's still so much more to uncover.
What do you like most about your work so far?
As I mentioned earlier, I love the ability to ‘see inside’ the brain! One of the greatest advantages of working at the University of Melbourne is access to world-class neuroimaging facilities and the support of leading experts in the field.
Additionally, as a postdoctoral research fellow in a large laboratory, I find it rewarding to support higher degree research students and research assistants.
Do you have anything exciting coming up?
We are currently setting up a large study examining perception across the psychosis spectrum. Our study will utilise the “wearable MEG” (otherwise known as ‘OP-MEG’) system that is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere! In addition to this, we are utilising the relatively new method of ultra-high resolution “layer fMRI” which allows us to examine the directional flow (feedforward or feedback) of information in specific regions within the brain. By combining these techniques (along with behavioural tasks and computational modelling), we hope to shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychosis.