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October 3, 2016
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October 11, 2016
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Webpage:www.rcsi.ie/perl

Research Field
  • neuroscience and mental health
My WorkMy research group carries out investigations of early life risk factors for adult mental illness. A particular research focus is the study of psychotic symptoms in adolescence which convey an increased risk of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. My research into psychotic symptoms covers a broad array of methodologies - ranging from epidemiology to neuroimaging to qualitative research. The other focus of my research group is in the area of youth mental health - epidemiology and policy implications. My research team comprise researchers from a range of disciplines: social science, psychology, bioengineering and neuroscience.
Outline of Potential Research projects1) A neuroimaging and neurocognitive investigation of 100 young people who have had brain scans at two points in adolescence and are due to have a third follow-up in young adulthood. This is an opportunity to study structural and functional brain changes over time in young people who have previously reported psychotic symptoms compared with those you have not. This is unique data and will give great insights into trajectories of brain development in relation to mental health outcomes. This would suit those who are interested in a PhD in neuroimaging or neurocognition.

2) There is also the possibility to work on two large national studies: the Growing Up in Ireland Study (n=approximately 8000) and the SEYLE study (n=1100) to investigate issues in relation to young peoples mental health. This project would suit those who are interested in a PhD in the area of psychiatric epidemiology. There is a wealth of data available in both cohorts on psychological, social and economic variables in young people aged form 9 to 17.