Rate My Professor Liana Machado

Professor Liana Machado is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA in 1994 and a PhD in Neuroscience from UC Davis in 1998. Following five years of postdoctoral research in the laboratory of a neurologist in the United Kingdom, she joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago in late 2003, advancing to full Professor.

Machado’s primary areas of expertise are neuropsychology and cognitive psychology. Her laboratory investigates mechanisms underlying healthy brain functions, cognitive deficits from brain disease and healthy aging, and methods to improve cognitive functioning. Integrating studies of neurological patients and healthy adults, her research advances understanding of cognitive function and dysfunction. She has published extensively in high-impact international journals, cited worldwide. Key publications include “Cognitive and electrophysiological biomarkers of endometriosis with versus without chronic pelvic pain” (Berryman & Machado, 2026, Neuropsychology), “Cognition in later life: The role of structural support and life satisfaction in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil)” (Ramos et al., 2026, Neuropsychology), “Intellectual achievement and cognitive functioning in children and adolescents with ADHD-affected siblings: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis” (Ramos et al., 2026, Clinical Psychology Review), and “Cognitive functioning in females with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain: A literature review” (Berryman & Machado, 2025, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology). She collaborates with researchers in Europe, the USA, South America, and New Zealand, teaches PSYC 211: Brain and Cognition and PSYC 313: Cognition and Neuropsychology, and has mentored many students establishing research careers. Machado contributes to the community through public presentations including her 2025 Inaugural Professorial Lecture “Cognition in health and disease,” media appearances, fundraising, and scientific advisory committees.