- Professor in Biological Psychology, Lancaster University
My research background is in biological psychology/neuroscience and I am interested in biological factors and mechanisms which affect human cognition and behaviour across the lifespan.
Much of my research has focused on the effects of glucose administration and glucose regulatory mechanisms on human cognition. Through grant-funded collaborations with other centres I have also investigated the cognitive effects of glucose regulatory mechanisms with clinical populations such as diabetics. In addition, I have conducted investigations into the neurocognitive effects of energy drinks, nutritional supplements and food components.
I am also interested in evaluation of the behavioural and physiological effects of emotions and stress, and more specifically, how this affects cognitive performance.
My work has been funded by national and international competitive grants (BBSRC, ESRC, JDRF) and industry.
Experience
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2019–presentProfessor, Department of Psychology, Lancaster University
Education
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2001University of Manchester, PhD
Publications
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2019Sugar Rush or Sugar Crash? A Meta-Analysis of Carbohydrate Effects on Mood, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
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2018Breakfast, glycaemic index and cognitive function in school children: evidence, methods and mechanisms, Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop Series
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2017The impact of diet-based glycaemic response and glucose regulation on cognition: evidence across the lifespan, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
Grants and Contracts
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2017Feasibility Study: Assessment of glycaemic response to breakfast interventions using a non-invasive Continuous Glucose Monitoring device
- Role:
- PI
- Funding Source:
- Industry
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2014An investigation into the acute glycaemic and cognitive effects of breakfast cereals with different fibre conditions in young healthy adults
- Role:
- PI
- Funding Source:
- Industry
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2013Self-control and inhibition: moderating and mediating factors
- Role:
- Co-PI
- Funding Source:
- Economic and Social Research Council
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2011Effects of glucose and caffeine on cognition
- Role:
- PI
- Funding Source:
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
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2011Understanding emotional memory: the influence of cognitive factors
- Role:
- Co-PI
- Funding Source:
- Economic and Social Research Council
Professional Memberships
- Member of Experimental Psychology Society
- Member of the British Feeding and Drinking Group
- Associate Member of the Royal Society of Medicine
Contact Sandra for
- General
- Media request
- Speaking request
- Consulting / Advising
- Research collaboration
- Research supervision
- Location: Lancaster, UK
- Website
- Article Feed
- ORCID
- Joined