People

Associate Professor - david.pitcher@york.ac.uk

I am a cognitive neuroscientist studying the cortical mechanisms of the human visual system. I use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and neuropsychological patient data to test functional models of brain function with a particular focus on face perception. 

Google Scholar Profile Pitcher CV 

Postdoc - david.watson@york.ac.uk

My doctoral dissertation at York used neuroimaging to study how visual properties of scenes are represented in the human brain. During postdocs in Nottingham and York I investigated multisensory recalibration, face processing and the organisation of high-level visual brain regions. I am currently working on a Leverhulme Trust funded project using neuroimaging and TMS to investigate the neural representation of dynamic and social information in the third and ventral face processing pathways.

Google Scholar Profile 

PhD Student - ek932@york.ac.uk

I am curious about the neural mechanisms of social cognition and perception. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), my research focuses on how the human brain processes emotions and social interactions. The overall aim of my research is to develop a greater understanding of how difficulties in perceiving emotions and social interaction may be represented in the brain.

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PhD Student - zlr528@york.ac.uk

Gabbi is currently completing her MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at York. She will be joining the lab in September 2025 funded by a departmental scholarship. She has research interests in mental health.

Undergraduate RA

I am an undergraduate student studying cognitive neuroscience. I have an interest in neuroimaging and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I am currently running a study investigating the influence of autistic traits on emotional face perception. Alongside this, I do work to support disabled students across the department.