EVENT: Psychology Colloquium: Ann-Maree Vallence - Plasticity and functional connectivity in the human motor cortex

Presenter: Dr. Ann-Maree Vallence

Dr. Ann-Maree Vallence received her BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of Western Australia under the supervision of Prof Geoff Hammond and Dr. Karen Reilly. Following completion of her PhD, Ann- Maree took up a University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the Neuromotor Plasticity and Development Group at the University of Adelaide, working with A/Prof Michael Ridding, and a Visiting Research Fellow in the Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders at the University College London, working with Prof John Rothwell. In 2015, Ann-Maree moved to Murdoch University as an NHMRC Peter Doherty Research Fellow in the School of Psychology and Exercise Science.

Title: Plasticity and functional connectivity in the human motor cortex

Abstract:

Ann-Maree's research has focussed on understanding plasticity in the human motor cortex; specifically, understanding factors that influence plasticity induction in the human motor cortex and optimising brain stimulation protocols for non-invasive plasticity induction in the human cortex. In addition, Ann-Maree has used non-invasive brain stimulation to understand the role of altered plasticity in the pathophysiology of chronic pain. The aims of Ann-Maree's current research program are to (1) characterise age-related changes in functional connectivity in the cortical motor network, (2) identify relationships between functional connectivity changes and impairments in voluntary motor control, and (3) develop interventions that can strengthen functional connectivity in the human cortical motor network.