Michelle Downes

Dr. Michelle Downes is an Associate Professor and Ad Astra Fellow in the School of Psychology at University College Dublin (UCD). She leads the UCD Babylab and UCD Neuropsychology Lab, focusing on executive function, sleep, and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Her expertise spans developmental cognitive neuroscience, pediatric neuropsychology, and educational neuroscience.

Education:

• B.A. (Hons) Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway
• MSc Paediatric Neuropsychology (Distinction), University College London
• PhD in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
• Professional Certificates in University Teaching & Learning, UCD

Research Interests: Executive function development, sleep's role in neurodevelopment, impact of digital technologies on learning, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, epilepsy, sickle cell disease).

Publications: Over 80 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on sleep disturbances in Tourette syndrome, executive function assessment in preschoolers, and cognitive outcomes in pediatric epilepsy surgery patients.

Awards: Psychological Society of Ireland Research Award (2022), Ad Astra Fellowship (2019), and multiple grants from Science Foundation Ireland and UCD.

Teaching: Coordinates modules on Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, and Research Skills at UCD. Actively involved in translating neuropsychological research into classroom practices.

Labs & Outreach: Founded the UCD Babylab to investigate early cognitive development. Co-developed public engagement initiatives like Beyond My Brain and Beyond Seizures to demystify neurodevelopmental disorders.