About my current job
I work as a Professor and Canada Research Chair jointly appointed by the Faculty of Education and the Department of Psychology at Western University. My workload is split between Service (serving on faculty and departmental committees), teaching and research. My team and I explore the developmental trajectory underlying both the typical and atypical development of numerical and mathematical skills, using both behavioural and neuroimaging methods. Additionally, I have a keen interest in connecting the science of learning with education and served as the President of the International Mind, Brain and Education Society (IMBES) from 2014-2016.
Something important I learned during my time at EP
I came to EP knowing next to nothing about Neuroscience. The MSc in Neuroscience within EP was an eye-opener. I learnt so much. Through two research projects, I learnt about functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Genetics. I also had the opportunity to take courses with some leaders in the field, such as Dick Passingham and John Stein. I remember my year in EP as one of the most intellectually simulating, challenging and exciting times of my life.
How did my education influence my career path?
Yes, very much so. I came to EP after having started a PhD in Developmental Psychology at UCL, working under the supervision of the late Annette Karrmiloff-Smith. While I had some rudimentary knowledge of the brain, the MSc in Neuroscience opened up completely new doors for me and led me to use neuroimaging methods in addition to traditional, behavioural methods. In general, the MSc in Neuroscience gave me a new appreciation of the biological constraints on human cognition and the development thereof.
Fond memories of my time at EP
The 2000-2001 MSc in Neuroscience cohort was very tight. We supported each other and did a lot together socially. We all worked in the same computer room and would regularly cook for each other. I also really loved hanging out by the coffee shop in the Tinbergen Building and watching the superstars such as Larry Weiskrantz walk by.
Did you have a favourite tutor/lecturer/prof, and how did they inspire you?
I really enjoyed the course on Motor Systems by John Stein.
How did friends made during your time at EP influence your life?
They pushed me to work harder, to ask more difficult questions. They revealed (and continue to reveal) to me that there are so many different approaches to studying cognition and the brain.
Do you have a lesson or advice that you'd give to current students/researchers at EP?
Don't be narrow. Take courses that might not sound like you would enjoy them and find out about phenomena that you would otherwise never have the chance to learn about. Take and interdisciplinary approach to your training. In order to really make progress we have to develop expertise in multiple fields and blend them together.
With the benefit of hindsight, do you have any advice you'd give your younger self?
Visit more colleges :)
