Dr Holly Diane Brown

Profile

I have a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, all from the University of York. My research has largely focused on assessing the consequences of vision loss beyond the eye, using both structural and functional MRI to explore changes in the brain, with more recent work exploring cognitive function in ageing and age-related diseases. Prior to my PhD, I worked as a research associate at the University of York on a project exploring the status of the visual cortex in macular disease, funded by Fight for Sight UK. Following my PhD I worked as a research technician at the York Neuroimaging Centre (YNiC) before undertaking a lectureship in cognitive and neuropsychology at the University of Huddersfield in November 2021. In October 2024, I joined the University of Leeds as a lecturer in Psychology.

Research interests

My primary interests are in vision and ageing in both health and disease. I use both behavioural and neuroimaging methods to assess changes in function, as well as the status of different brain structures, exploring the consequences of ageing and age-related disease (primarily age-related macular degeneration) on the brain and behaviour. I am currently interested in understanding how different lifestyle factors may mediate changes in cognitive function in older age, and how this may impact the quality of life in individuals with visual impairments. 

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Psychology
• MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience
• PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)

Professional memberships

• Member of the Yorkshire Vision Network (YVN)
• Member of the Applied Vision Association (AVA)
• Member of Women in Vision UK

Student education

I teach and supervise students at both Undergraduate and Masters levels within the School of Psychology. My teaching largely overlaps with my research interests in perception, cognition and cognitive neuroscience.