Greg Downey

Professor Greg Downey specializes in neuroanthropology at Macquarie University's School of Communication, Society and Culture. His research explores how cultural practices reshape human biology, particularly through studies of sensory learning, skill acquisition, and extreme physical training.

Dr. Downey's ethnographic work examines diverse communities including echolocation users, freedivers, and capoeira practitioners. His neuroanthropological approach integrates biological and cultural perspectives to understand human development.

His recent publications continue long-standing investigations into embodied learning, with freediving research demonstrating how cultural practices incrementally transform physiological capacities. Methodologically, he advocates for ethnographic approaches to counter limitations in psychological research.

Awards:

• Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (2013)