Meet the team

Dr Hannah J Stewart

Head Pelican

I am a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology. I am a paediatric auditory neuroscientist and am interested in the effect of everyday hearing technology on children with typical hearing and hearing loss. Specifically, on their cognitive development and academic ability. I use neuroimaging techniques to understand the underlying mechanisms of speech and non-speech listening skills. I am also exploring how to bring gaming and virtual reality to paediatric hearing and listening research.

I completed my PhD at the MRC Institute of Hearing Research looking at auditory attention in children. During my PhD I won ERASMUS funding to go to the Rotman Institute in Toronto to work with Dr Claude Alain and learn how to use EEG and MRI. This grew my love for neuroimaging and led me to postdocs at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with Professor David Moore, where I led the MRI work, and UCL with Professor Stuart Rosen.

My work has been funded by UKRI, EPSRC, MRC, ERASMUS ACN, The Oticon Foundation, RNiD and NSF.

Outside of science I am a big baker, cakes and puddings especially. Lately I have been tearing my house apart and am slowly putting it back together again.

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.

Brandon O’Hanlon

Postdoctoral Researcher

I am a postdoctoral researcher for the PELiCAN lab 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 the development of other core cognitive skills in children. I also have strong interests in multi-sensory integration in speech perception, as well as auditory research in young adults both with and without hearing loss.

During my PhD at Lancaster University, my passion for neurophysiological research methods grew as I was introduced to the world of EEG by my supervisors: Dr Helen Nuttall and Prof Christopher Plack. I researched both audio-visual and audio-tactile integration in the context of speech-in-noise, and their impact on speech intelligibility and cortical speech-envelope tracking through EEG and ECoG. I also have experience in neurostimulation techniques such as TMS.

Outside of my research, I am an avid boulderer and rock climber, and greatly enjoy meeting with friends to play extensive tabletop, board, and card games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, Root, and Magic: The Gathering!

Lynne Blair

Postdoctoral Researcher

I’m excited to join the PELiCAN lab on the UKRI-funded iCAT project (Impact of Children’s Auditory Technology) where I’ll be focusing on qualitative aspects of children’s auditory technologies.

I come from a background in Computing education, most recently helping to support teachers and schools across the NW through my role as computing lead for the National Centre of Computing Education – both for Cumbria and Lancashire hubs. Prior to this, much of my career was spent as a senior academic in the School of Computing and Communications here at Lancaster University, so it’s lovely to return to the world of research on familiar stomping grounds – albeit in a new department!

In the world of computing and digital skills, I’ve been passionate about striving for a better gender balance across the education sector, raising aspirations and seeing computing set in realistic and relevant contexts. In my new research role, 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, my husband and I 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.

Xiaonai Li

PhD Student

I am a PhD student in psychology interested in the intersection of auditory and developmental neuroscience. My current research focuses on using neural techniques to understand the neural and cognitive mechanisms of auditory processing, particularly in individuals with listening difficulties.

Outside of research, I like hiking, climbing (my new hobby, just started!) and listening to music!

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 and disorders can be studied in the brain.

In my personal life I enjoy reading fiction and baking. Something particularly delicious that I enjoy making is kladdkaka, a Swedish dessert that is a cross between a brownie and a chocolate cake!

El Smith

1+3 PhD Student

I am a NWSSDTP-funded PhD student at the PELiCAN Lab, focusing on how classroom background noise may impact childrens inner speech. I am particularly passionate about improving classroom environments for children with different levels of hearing loss and deafness. Furthermore, I am interested in how we can utilise many different types of analysis within research.

Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I am an avid rock climber and circus performer. I also enjoy hiking and cherish the opportunities to engage with nature. Currently, I am also learning two languages; BSL and German with a goal of becoming fluent in both!

Rebecca Maguire

MSc Student

I am currently a student on the MSc Psychological Research Methods, and I am conducting my PEP placement in the PELiCAN lab. I have been fascinated by developmental psychology since my first job as a Youth Worker, and I am currently interested in research which will help improve educational outcomes and experiences.

In my free time I enjoy baking with my friends, reading, and travelling. As someone who grew up near mountains and the seaside, I enjoy hiking and taking long walks along the beach with my dog.

Maida Bundil

PEP Research Assistant

I am an undergraduate psychology student currently completing my PEP placement in the PELiCAN lab. My passion lies in developmental psychology, and I have hands-on experience supporting SEND children through my role as a Learning Support Assistant. I aspire to become an educational psychologist, driven by a commitment to understanding and enhancing children’s learning experiences.

Outside of academics, I love singing and performing with Lancaster University’s A Cappella Society. In my free time, you’ll often find me reading, cooking, or spending time with friends!

Maya Roberts

PEP Research Assistant

I am a second-year undergraduate Psychology student, currently completing my PEP placement in the PELiCAN lab.
I’m excited to contribute to important research while continuing to learn in a research setting. My main research interest lies in improving classroom environments to support children’s learning and overall development. This interest began while coaching lacrosse in primary schools, where I became particularly inspired to work with younger children and better understand their educational experiences.

Outside of my academic work, I enjoy playing and coaching lacrosse, spending time with friends, and going on walks with my dogs.

Skye Potts

PEP Research Assistant

I am a second year undergraduate psychology student, currently on a PEP placement with the PELiCAN lab. I am mainly interested in developmental psychology and neuroscience, with particular goals of becoming a clinical psychologist in the future.

Outside of my studies, I love to garden and cook. I also like going to the lake district in my spare time to go on hikes, taking in all the natural beauty that is so close to home.

Eeman Patel

PEP Research Assistant

I am a final-year Psychology undergraduate at Lancaster University with a strong interest in clinical psychology, child development, and neuroscience. As a Research Assistant in the PELiCAN Lab, I’ve contributed to national research projects, including the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss. In this role, I’ve independently run lab-based experiments with children, assisted with facilitated focus groups across the UK, and supported data transcription and analysis. I’ve also learned how to carry out audiological examinations using tympanometry, an incredibly rewarding skill that has deepened my interest in clinical work and working directly with children.

Alongside my research role, I’m involved in the psychology employability ambassador programme and social content creation for the Psychology Department. I’m currently completing a dissertation exploring how news formats impact memory, and I’m passionate about making psychological research more accessible and meaningful in real-world contexts. Outside of psychology, I’m an avid traveller and love learning about the history and cultures of the places I visit!