My key area of research expertise is in the psychology of language processing. My research in this area centres on inferences made during the reading of sentences, with particular focus on quantification and pragmatics, and on the processing of individual words. I use paper and pencil (online) tasks and behavioural paradigms, as well as eye tracking and EEG technology to complete this research. I am also interested in the effect of domain knowledge on reading words.

I also carry our research on cognition, chronic illness, and social interaction. During the COVID-19 pandemic I led funded, international, research (Chief Scientist’s Office, Royal Society of Edinburgh) which examined the effects of social isolation on cognitive function. I also contributed to projects tracking cognitive function in people with long-covid (funded by National Institute for Health Research and Chief Scientist’s Office).

I currently have a broad range of research projects underway, these include:

• Considering the complex communication abilities of older adults with and without dementia, with a specific focus on pragmatic understanding. 
• Understanding the referential properties of natural language quantifiers in Polish.
• Considering parenting and cognition in people with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

I have previously been involved in the following projects:

• Using Activity Tracking and Just-In-Time Messaging to Improve Adaptive Pacing: A Pragmatic Randomised Control Trial (funded by the National Institute for Health Research).
• COVID-19: Tracking persistent symptoms on Scotland (TraPSS). Examining cognitive function over time in non-hospitalised people who test positive for COVID-19 (funded by Chief Scientist Office).
• A cross-cultural comparision of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on cognitive function in Scotland and Japan (funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh).
• A examination of the impact of social isolation due to COVID-19 "lockdown" on cognitive function, health behaviours and mental health (funded but the Chief Scientist Office).

I intend to continue my research in psycholinguistics and cognition.

I will examine theories of quantifier focus whilst expanding to broader areas of pragmatics. I will consider how older adults process non-literal language, and if their pattern of processing is affected by cognitive decline with and without dementia.

I also wish to consider how established accounts of quantifier focus and scalar implicature, in English, may be reflected in other languages. I will use understanding of quantities to inform health messaging, particularly within apps for both pacing and encouraging activity. 

I have experience of using eye tracking and behavioural techniques to deliver applied research projects for local government, including evaluation of road safety campaigns.  I have also delivered workshops on the applied uses of information framing to corporate delegates.

Marketing, advertising and branding

Lobbyists and associated companies

Publishers of fiction based in pseudo-real locations

NHS Research Scotland

Local authorities (e.g. Renfrewshire Council or Glasgow City Council)