Introducing Dr Sophie Lin: Our CNH August Post-Doc Feature Story
Can you describe your research interests?
"I am interested in uncovering the neural mechanisms that support both motor and cognitive processing in the cerebellum. In particular, I aim to understand how the brain learns and represents predictions about the external world, and how these processes differ between the cerebral and cerebellar cortex. My current research focuses on developing and applying non-invasive electrophysiological methods, such as EEG and MEG, to study human cerebro–cerebellar circuits."
What inspired you to pursue this research topic?
"The cerebellum makes up more than half of the neurons in the human brain, yet it has often been overlooked in non-invasive brain imaging, especially EEG and MEG. Most attention has gone to the cortex, leaving the cerebellum’s role in thinking and behaviour largely unexplored. I was drawn to focus on this area because it feels like both a challenge and an opportunity: if we can find better ways to measure cerebellar activity, we can fill an important gap in our understanding of how the brain works and rethink how prediction and learning are studied. This line of research also has exciting clinical potential, from improving how we diagnose neurological and psychiatric conditions to helping shape new treatments."
What do you like most about your work so far?
"What I enjoy most about my work is the challenge of applying and developing cutting-edge neuroimaging methods to study such an under-explored part of the brain. While the process can at times feel daunting and exhausting, finding ways to overcome these challenges is deeply rewarding. It pushes me to think creatively, to be resourceful, and to approach problems from different angles, which I find both stimulating and fulfilling."