Rebecca Crowley

Research Interests

My research attempts to uncover the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the role of oscillatory activity and sleep in learning and memory. I am particularly interested in the formation of complex lexical representations and how these relate to typical episodic memories. I use an interdisciplinary approach involving Cognitive Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology, and Psycholinguistics.

Technical Experience

R, Python, MATLAB, SPSS, E-Prime, Gorilla, Qualtrics, Prolific, behavioural paradigms using artificial orthography, nap and overnight sleep studies, electroencephalography (EEG), polysomnography (PSG), electrical brain stimulation (tACS and tDCS), targeted memory reactivation, on-line sleep scoring.

Teaching Experience

Seminar leader for undergraduate statistics modules, private tutor, postgraduate certificate in Skills of Teaching to Inspire Learning, Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Educational Background

I studied BSc (hons.) Psychology, Clinical, and Cognitive Neuroscience at Royal Holloway, University of London (2014-2017; 1:1). Following this, I completed an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Kent where I achieved the highest mark in my cohort. For my MSc research project, I designed and ran a large-scale sleep study which pioneered a new method for boosting memory during sleep that combines targeted memory reactivation and electrical brain stimulation. 

Other Work

Following my MSc, I gained a research assistant position at Royal Holloway, University of London working alongside Prof. Kathy Rastle and Dr. Jakke Tamminen on an ESRC-funded project investigating the role of sleep in language acquisition and generalisation.