*** Everyone Welcome! No need to book in advance ***
Date: Thursday 2nd February
Time: 16:00-17:00
Room: College Building C133
Date: Thursday 2nd February
Time: 16:00-17:00
Room: College Building C133
Dr Jon Silas (Middlesex University)
'Methods in the Madness: Non-Invasive Stimulation and Imaging Techniques in Cognitive Neuroscience'
Abstract:
In
this talk rather than focus on research related to a particular psychological
phenomena or topic I will outline and consider different approaches to understanding
cognition by probing the brain. Modern cognitive neuroscience is punctuated by
advances in technology that allow for a better examination of brain structure
and function. These new neuro-methods have allowed for the examination of
psychological process and function that have hitherto remained unobservable.
Using examples from my own research I will discuss several different,
relatively recent, advances in brain imaging and stimulation technologies that
allow for us to explore brain structure and function and elaborate on a
mechanistic account of cognition. Much of my research has examined the human
mirror neuron system and how such a system might contribute to social
cognition. I will largely draw on this research, and some examples from my research
into olfaction and memory, to explore different methods in cognitive
neuroscience. I will mostly be discussing Electroencephalography (EEG) and
Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES) with some consideration of functional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Biography:
Jon
Silas joined the department of psychology at Middlesex last year in April. He
completed his doctoral research at the University of Roehampton in 2010 where
he used Electroencephalography and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to study
the role of the so-called ‘mirror neuron system’ in social cognition and action
understanding. He completed a post-doctoral research programme at the
University of Pennsylvania in a position funded by the Department of Defence to
explore olfactory dysfunction in early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Jon then
returned to the University of Roehampton to take up a lecturing post where he
continued his research into mirror neuron system functioning, olfaction and
developed an interest in broader cognitive neuroscientific methods including
functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transcranial Electrical Stimulation.
