Dr Hannah J Stewart
Head PELiCAN
I am a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at Lancaster University. I am a paediatric auditory neuroscientist and am interested in the effect of everyday auditory technology on deaf children, hearing children, and children with listening difficulties. Specifically, on their cognitive development and academic ability. I lead the PELiCAN Lab in using neuroimaging techniques to understand the underlying mechanisms of speech and non-speech listening. We specialize in developing naturalistic methods that better reflect real-life listening experiences for children. To achieve this we do a lot of co-production with children, their families, educators and audiologists.
Dr Katharina Kaduk
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am a postdoctoral researcher excited to start working on the iCAT Longitudinal Project at Lancaster University, funded by UKRI. With a PhD in Psychology, specialising in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, and over a decade of experience in developmental research, EEG methodology, and public engagement, I am eager to contribute to meaningful research while also embracing new learning opportunities.
For the past nine years, I have managed the Infant and Child Development Research Unit at Lancaster University, where I supported researchers and visiting families. This role was enriched by my work as the Engagement Officer for the LuCiD Centre, where I developed expertise in impact and outreach activities. Prior to this, my PhD, undertaken as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, explored how language development emerges from interpreting the content of action in early childhood.
Outside of research, I love to unwind in my allotment and build things from scrap wood I find. I also enjoy spending time with my two children, aged 6 and 12, which happens to be the age group I will be focusing on during my time within the iCAT project.
Dr Brandon O’Hanlon
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am a postdoctoral researcher and an auditory neuroscientist at heart! My current interests lie in understanding the impact of hearing technologies – such as hearing aids – on listening ability, learning, communication, and cognition in children through the lens of neuroscience. How do our brains and our ears work together to understand speech? Importantly, I am keen to take this research into everyday life such as with classroom listening by looking at brain activity using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS).
In previous research, I have investigated how our senses of sight and touch can help us to hear speech in noisy environments. To do so, we assessed brain activity from Electroencephalography (EEG) and Electrocorticography (ECoG). I also have previous experience in neurostimulation using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Outside of research, I am an avid boulderer and rock climber and enjoy a variety of games, from D&D to Magic: The Gathering!
Dr Sophie Lund
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am a postdoctoral researcher working across several PELiCAN projects. I am involved in research that aims to understand children’s hearing and listening using Electroencephalography (EEG), functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), and behavioural tasks.
My previous PhD research focused on identifying ideal word learning conditions for neurotypical and autistic children. I am therefore excited to continue to research how to support children’s development.
Outside of academia I enjoy dancing, watching football, reading, and playing an array of nintendo switch games including animal crossing, spyro, and kirby.
Dr Lynne Blair
Postdoctoral Researcher
I’m delighted to be working as a PDRA in the PELiCAN lab where I’m focusing on qualitative aspects of children’s auditory technologies.
My background is in academic research in computing and working with computing teachers in schools. I’ve been passionate about striving for a better gender balance in computing across the education sector, raising aspirations and seeing the subject set in realistic and relevant contexts.
In my current research, that same drive for inclusive learning environments now extends to supporting children with hearing loss – working to ensure their learning and academic progress aren’t held back.
Outside of the world of research, we run a small-holding with a small flock of gorgeous Shetland sheep. And we love exploring the beauty of the NW area with our 3 border collies.
Julia Halstead
PELiCAN Coordinator
I am the project coordinator at PELiCAN and I look after things behind the scenes to help make the research run smoothly. I have worked in health research at Lancaster University for three years, focussing on mental health and bipolar disorder and now I am bringing my skills into psychology. Although I am not a researcher, I enjoy seeing the benefits that the research I work on brings to participants and that it helps shape future decision making.
Outside of work, I am a bit if a German geek and love German history, especially the Cold War and watching German crime dramas. Weekends usually involve a long walk with my family and dogs whatever the weather. I also do agility with my cocker spaniel, Charlie.
Megan Griffiths
PhD Student
I am a PhD student of psychology with a particular interest in neuroscience and developmental psychology. Specifically, I am fascinated by the biology of the brain and how it works to allow us to live our lives, from learning language to regulating our emotions and so on. I am also very interested in how atypical development can be studied in the brain.
El Smith
PhD Student
I’m a NWSSDTP-funded PhD student in the PELiCAN Lab, researching how classroom background noise affects children’s inner speech. I’m passionate about improving classroom environments for children with varying levels of hearing loss and deafness, and I enjoy using diverse analytical approaches in my work.
Xiaonai Li
MPhil Student
I am a MPhil student funded by the EPSRC studentship. I am interested in the intersection of auditory, cognitive, and developmental neuroscience. My current research focuses on using neural techniques to understand the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying listening, particularly in individuals with listening difficulties.
Outside of research, I love hiking, climbing, and listening to music!
Imogen Usherwood
Research Assistant
Elin Jones
Research Assistant
Sophie Martin
3rd year PEP Student
Alison Chan
3rd year PEP Student
Isobel James
3rd year PEP Student
Rosie Gibbs
3rd year PEP Student
Gabriel Salazar
3rd year PEP Student & EPSRC intern
Lily Jones
3rd year PEP Student
Amalia Garlick
2nd year PEP Student
I have really enjoyed my time at the PELiCAN lab, I have met loads of new people and have been able to learn new skills and develop them in a safe and supportive environment. I know the skills and techniques I have learnt will grow alongside my experience and help in the future. Sophie
I’ve really enjoyed working at the Pelican lab because it’s an exciting, hands-on experience and you meet lots of lovely people. Isobel
It gives you practical knowledge in a testing environment, which is a valuable addition to what you learn in lectures. Alison
Working at the PELiCAN Lab really feels like a nice community, it feels like everyone is looking out for you. As a student research assistant, the lab was very accommodating and took every opportunity to teach me about the research I assisted in and made it all feel worthwhile working there. Gabriel
I have really enjoyed working at The PELiCAN Lab over the last year and it has taught me so much and really consolidated what I learned at university. Everyone is so helpful and passionate about what they research, and always happy to teach you new things. It has provided me with such a vast skillset that will be very useful for my career going forward! Elin
PEP Alumni
Lola Akande
Faye Brookes
Maida Bundil
Miya De Levi
Rebecca Maguire
May Mo
Skye Potts
Erin Rothwell-Wood
Amelia Simmonds
Dayna Tryer
Staff Alumni
Holly Amos
Kamila Jablonska
Hannah Leigh
John Lim
Marianna Muszynska
Eeman Patel
Maya Roberts
Daisy Watson
Paediatric Listening, Cognition and Neuroscience
The PELiCAN Lab is associated with
Lancaster University’s Infant and Child Development Lab.
Contact us at: PELICAN@lancaster.ac.uk