King's College London

Research Overview

I have two main areas of research i) neuroscience research into distractibility and ii) pedagogic research. In my neuroscience research I aim to better understand the neural basis of distractibility, that is the inability to ignore irrelevant stimuli. I do this using a variety of approaches, including examining situations where heightened distractibility occurs such as during ADHD or in healthy ageing. I also examine the effects of psychostimulants which are known to reduce distractibility. In my pedagogic research, I focus on the perceived impact and value of different educational technologies, including asychronous forums, twitter and lecture capture.

Teaching 

I have developed and deliver several modules on the BSc Psychology programme:

• Psychology and the Brain (Level 4)

• Contemporary Issues in Neuroscience (Level 5)

• Academic Teaching Apprenticeship (Level 6).

I have also co-developed and co-deliver a suite of non-credit bearing skills development modules:

• Foundation Graduate Attributes

• Intermediate Graduate Attributes

• Advanced Graduate Attributes

I received a number of awards for my teaching, including a King's Teaching Excellence Award in 2017 for Quality Feedback.

Education Leadership

I currently hold several education leadership roles. I am the e-learning tutor on the BSc Psychology Programme and the the Academic Lead for the College TEL Transformation Strategy. I am also a member of the HEA Accreditation Review panel and previously acted as the work stream lead for the Curriculum Design and Development Strand of the Education Strategy. I am a Principal Fellow of the HEA.

Public Engagement & Dissemination

I am a STEM ambassador and regularly work with schools, particularly to encourage more girls into STEM subjects at university and increase access to university by students from a widening participation background. In addition, I have written a number of books aimed at teachers about neuroscience and what it can mean for classroom practice.