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My research at the Psychology Department of the University of Amsterdam is funded by NWO (VENI grant, Open Competition grant, and VanGogh grant) and is embedded in Acacia and SeniorLab. I study the relation between brain and behaviour in humans from a cognitive neuroscience perspective, focussing on cognitive control processes that link perception to goal-directed action and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Central themes are performance monitoring (the ability to adjust one’s actions upon signs of error or conflict) as well as interference control (the coordination of conflicting responses). Other research fields involve attentional control (the selection of task-relevant information), and the ability to interrupt ongoing or planned actions.
I use computer tasks to isolate and manipulate these cognitive processes in an experimental setting. My research tools to track the dynamic control over voluntary actions are diverse, like reaction-time distribution analyses, neuropsychological tests, deep-brain stimulation and (single-pulse and repetitive) transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and EEG.
I study diverse populations, including normal development of cognition, tracing the ontology of voluntary action control from childhood to adulthood. Current projects focus on impaired action control in children with dyslexia and ADHD. I have in interest in the impact of psycho active substances (e.g., cocaine, alcohol) on mental functions, including short-term memory and task-switching. Recent work with Parkinson's disease patients relates invasive manipulation of basal ganglia functioning with the control over voluntary actions.
... and big part of the fun is working together with others :)
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