معرفی
Dr. Michael Lewis is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) at Cardiff University's School of Psychology, specializing in the cognitive neuroscience of face perception. His research examines face recognition mechanisms, emotional processing, attractiveness perception, and cross-racial identification biases, with applied work in forensic psychology and cosmetic neuroscience.
Education
- BSc in Mathematics and Psychology (First Class Honors), University of Birmingham (1993)
- PhD in Psychology, Cardiff University (1998)
Research Focus
Lewis investigates fundamental questions about facial cognition: How humans detect and recognize faces, process emotional expressions, and form attractiveness judgments. His pioneering work includes the Face-Space-R computational model of face memory, studies on Botox-induced emotional changes through facial feedback suppression, and analysis of own-race bias reduction techniques. Current research explores uncanny valley effects in facial distortions and the forensic applications of face-composite construction.
Notably, he demonstrated how medical masks paradoxically increase perceived attractiveness and how Navon letter processing influences face recognition. His methodological contributions include critiques of menstrual-cycle effect research designs and stimulus-response frameworks in face-composite studies.
Supervision & Roles
Lewis directs the MSc Psychology (Conversion) and MSc Psychology of Mental Health programs, coordinates research design/statistics modules, and supervises undergraduate projects on facial cognition. He serves on grant review panels for BBSRC, ESRC, and Leverhulme Trust, and has organized conferences for the British Psychological Society's Cognitive Section.
