Fitbit for the Brain

This project is focused on comprehending what a fitbit for a brain would look like. We have a fitbit for our physical activity - steps or other related actions - but what 'activity' would a fitbit for the brain measure? How would we measure it? And what would it tell us about cognitive health?. This PhD could take many forms, from explorations with concepts, to brain sensing (see below), or to behaviour studies. It could work with different demographics, or with people that have cognitive health concerns, etc. We wish to approach this situation from many angles.

Brain-Computer Interaction

Join the UKs leading research team in the use of fNIRS (functional Near-InfraRed Spectroscopy) to HCI evaluation. fNIRS measures the levels of oxygen in the blood of the prefrontal cortex, which we associate with mental workload. This PhD will focus on using this technique to evaluate complexity in user interface design.

Computer Science PhD Positions

The school recruits PhD students every year, with an application deadline of early January (for the following September). There are occasions that we offer additional places for a second round of recruiting, so it can be worth contacting me regardless. The first step is to contact me about topics that you can see I am interested in, through my projects and publications, and those ideas listed above.

After discussing with me a good focus for a PhD, you then apply with the link below.

Postgraduate Applications

Horizon PhD Positions

We are connected to a funded PhD Training School, Horizon, which recruits around 15 PhD students per year on a partially-taught 4 year interdisciplinary programme. Thi means stretching towards new research techniques derived from a secondary discipline related to a project. For example, I have a new student that is from psychology, now studying brain-computer interfaces for HCI evaluation.

This process does not guarentee working with particular supervisors, but I typically join the supervision team of around one student per year, if in my areas.

See the link below for example (inspirational not prescriptive) topics.

See the Horizon Opportunities Page.