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David McGonigle

Dr David McGonigle

Lecturer

School of Psychology

Email
McGonigleD@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 29208 70353
Campuses
Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ

Overview

Research summary

Studying sensory processing means focusing on the rules and mechanisms that the brain uses to make sense of the world. I use the somatosensory system – the sense of touch – as a gateway to uncover some of the fundamental principles that govern neuronal communication in the human brain. I am particularly interested in the dynamic, plastic nature of sensory processing: how our perceptions are critically dependent on the waxing and waning of millisecond to millisecond changes in brain activity.

Using functional neuroimaging (fMRI, MEG and EEG) and behavioural techniques I focus on three main areas:

i) Where, when and how are tactile stimuli processed in the human brain?

ii) The principles underlying short-term changes in perception (adaptation) and longer-term changes (learning).

iii) How alterations in sensory processing contribute to brain conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

I have also recently become interested in using brain stimulation to explore these questions, using a novel technique called trans-Cranial Direct Stimulation (tDCS). Finally, I have an active interest in the methods an  reliability of non-invasive neuroimaging.

Teaching summary

Level 1 Psychology: PS1107 'Introduction to cognitive and biological psychology’ FSM

Level 3 Psychology PS3209 'Structural and functional neuroimaging’

MSc Neuroimaging: Methods and Applications

Publication

2019

2018

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2008

2007

2005

2004

2003

2002

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1999

1996

Articles

Research

Funding

Autism Speaks

Susanne and Bob Wright Trailblazer Award

(2012-2013; Costs $100,000)

NIHR Fellowship
A Pilot Neuroimaging Study of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
(2010-2015; Costs £154,345)

The Waterloo Foundation
Advanced Neuroimagingin BECTS
(2010-2012; Costs £113,039)

The Waterloo Foundation
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the neurobiology of sensory symptoms
(19/04/10-18/04/12; Costs £53,473)

TheWaterlooFoundation
Travel Grant to Attend IMFAR 2010
(2010; Costs £1550)

Royal Society Research Grant
An Investigation of the Spatiotemporal Integration of Tactile Information in Somatosensory Cortex using Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
(01/04/08-31/03/09; Costs £14,898)