Fiona McNab

Dr. Fiona McNab is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of York. Her research focuses on cognitive neuroscience, particularly working memory, distraction, and healthy aging, utilizing neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and MEG. She previously held a Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship (2010-2017) and led projects like the Great Brain Experiment, exploring cognitive interventions across the lifespan. Her work investigates neural mechanisms underlying attention and memory, with a focus on dopamine systems and basal ganglia involvement. Key collaborations include Prof. Ana Vivas (CITY College, York) and Dr. Ted Zanto (UCSF).

Education: BSc (Hons) in Psychology & Physics from Keele University (1997-2000), PhD in Psychology from the Open University/Aston University (2000-2004). Postdoctoral work at Exeter University (2004-2005), Karolinska Institute (2005-2010), and UCL (2010-2017). Current roles include Chair of YNiC Ethics Committee and Strand Leader for Perception and Cognition.

Research interests include the neural basis of working memory capacity, age-related cognitive decline, and the impact of distraction. Her recent studies highlight cortical activity patterns during distraction and the role of video games in memory training. Grants include ESRC funding for cognitive intervention research.

Teaching spans undergraduate Perception/Cognition modules and postgraduate supervision in Cognitive Neuroscience. She actively publishes in journals like *Cerebral Cortex*, *Scientific Reports*, and *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*.