Kathy is a neuroscientist with a specific focus on using brain stimulation and Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) to modify aspects of neurophysiological function. She graduated with a first class honours degree in Psychology from Queen’s University Belfast in 2010, followed by a PhD in Psychology with a focus on Motor Neuroscience in 2014 (also from Queen’s). Following this she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zürich in Switzerland for three years, in the Department for Health Science and Technology. In 2017 Kathy began working as a postdoctoral research fellow at Trinity College Dublin, and in 2019 received an Emerging Investigator Award from the Health Research Board of Ireland to establish the Translational Brain Health Lab at Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience. She has recently joined the School of Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast as a Senior Lecturer.  

Kathy was named as Irish Researcher of the year by the Irish Research Council in 2021, and has won early career awards from the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and Neuroscience Ireland in 2018 and 2019. In 2022 she won the Northern Ireland Firmus Energy award for ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.  

By incorporating different types of neural signals into brain- controlled computer games, she trains human participants to modify specific aspects of their neurophysiological function.  

Kathy uses Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and neurofeedback as scientific tools to experimentally isolate and manipulate neural processes to investigate the neurophysiological basis of human behaviours (eg. sleep, motor learning, motor imagery, inhibitory control). She am also interested in developing novel biomarkers to predict individual response to brain stimulation treatments (repetitive TMS and tDCS) for Depression and Anxiety. 

Beyond research, Kathy enjoys growing organic vegetables in her garden, and spending weekends camping with her husband Giles and two children, Scarlett (4) and Leon (1.5). Other interests include yoga, sourdough breadmaking, keeping hens, and zero waste living.