David M. Kaplan

David M. Kaplan is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences at Macquarie University, where he is affiliated with the Performance and Expertise Research Centre. His academic profile shows active research and teaching commitments with recent publications extending into 2025.

Dr. Kaplan completed his PhD at Duke University in 2007, followed by a James S. McDonnell Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology Program at Washington University in St. Louis (2007-2009), and additional postdoctoral training in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine (2009-2013).

His research focuses on the computational processes underlying movement planning and sensorimotor learning, with particular emphasis on how sensory uncertainty influences motor learning and expert performance in minimally invasive surgical procedures. His work bridges theoretical neuroscience with practical applications in surgical training and human performance optimization. The research outputs reveal consistent productivity with publications spanning cognitive neuroscience, motor control, and theoretical frameworks for understanding brain function.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on sensorimotor integration, Bayesian approaches to understanding motor learning, and applications to surgical performance. The work shows interdisciplinary connections between neuroscience, psychology, and medical applications, particularly in the context of laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Award highlights include:

• Macquarie University Faculty of Human Sciences Dean's Citation for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (2016)
• Macquarie University Faculty of Human Sciences Extra Mile Award (2015)
• Research Field Leader, The Australian Research Report (Sept 2020)

Dr. Kaplan has secured multiple research grants, including active projects on the science of human responsibility and several completed projects related to virtual reality applications for autism, neurocognitive platforms, and sensorimotor learning in surgical contexts. His collaborative network spans multiple disciplines and institutions, with significant external collaborations evident in his research profile.

He leads or contributes to several research initiatives including the Performance and Expertise Research Centre, with particular focus on the NeuroLab digital platform for cognitive and brain sciences education and research on sensorimotor learning in minimally invasive surgery.