Research
The majority of research in the lab falls into six themes:
Consciousness & Perception
There are many different ways to study consciousness. Much of the work in the lab investigates perceptual processing and using a range of methods. The goal is to understand the breadth of possible conscious states along with the biological processes that determine and support them.
Psychopharmacology
To investigate the role that neurotransmitter systems play in cognitive and sensory processing we have explored the effect of different psychoactive drugs on perception and cognition in healthy people. Neuropharmacological changes are also explored using MRSpectroscopy and pupil-dilation.
Minds & Technology
With continual advances in neuroscience and technology, the lab also works with industry partners and academic collaborators to investigate the impact of new drugs/technologies on neurobiological or psychological processing.
Sensory Processing & Clinical Disorders
A number of psychiatric and neurological conditions are associated with altered sensory experiences. Using carefully controlled psychophysical methods and brain imaging we investigate the association between specific symptom profiles and changes in sensory and cognitive processing in clinical populations.
Brain Imaging
Research conducted by the lab has used EEG, fMRI and MRI spectroscopy to investigate electrical and neurochemical changes in the brain. The majority of this work involves local and international collaborators with expertise in these methods.
Neuroscience & Society
In parallel to the lab's scientific investigation in understanding individual's conscious experience or cognitive function, there is an interest in considering the neuroethical and societal impacts of neuroscientific advances in understanding and manipulating brain function.