Cognitive Differences and Cognitive Enhancement in Neurotypical and Neurodiverse Populations

About the Project

Supervisors:

• Dr. Eda Mizrak (primary supervisor),
• Dr Giorgia Michelini
• Dr Jessical Agnew-Blais

Studentship Funding:

• Name: RSF
• Funder: SBBS

Application Deadline: 15 June 2026

PhD Route: PhD Psychology

Expected Start Date: Sept 21, 2026

Project Overview

Applications are open for a 3-Year funded PhD Studentship in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences (SBBS) at Queen Mary University of London.

Working memory is a core cognitive ability that supports learning, reasoning, and everyday functioning, yet it is often under functioning in certain neurodiverse populations. Existing WM training programmes have shown limited long-term benefits, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. This project takes a novel translational approach by investigating whether adapting learning environments to better align with individuals’ cognitive capacities can improve WM performance and educational outcomes. The research will examine the effects of adjustments such as increased processing time, longer pauses between information, familiarity of content, attentional cueing, and motivational feedback on WM and learning performance in ADHD populations.

The PhD project combines experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and digital learning approaches. The successful applicant will contribute to a programme of online behavioural experiments, development of new neuroscience experiments relevant to the project (e.g., how familiarity helps working memory performance), development of an adaptive learning platform, participant recruitment and coordination for behavioural and neuroscience experiments including EEG and fMRI studies, advanced data analysis, and dissemination of findings through publications and conferences.

Keywords: Cognitive Enhancement, Working Memory, Neurodivergence, Mental Health, Digital Learning