About
My research focusses on the long-term vision of advancing personalised pain treatment by exploring the brain’s response to pain and related psychological factors.
I investigate the brain, psychological, and clinical dimensions of chronic pain, aiming to enable personalised, effective treatment strategies for diverse patient populations. Using advanced neuroimaging and mathematical modelling, I explore how brain structure and function contribute to pain perception and resilience, and whether predictive brain biomarkers can help identify central mechanisms of chronic pain. I also investigate psychological influences on pain, such as maladaptive beliefs and pain catastrophising, which can worsen patient outcomes. By integrating statistical modelling and machine learning, I aim to develop predictive models that guide patient selection and personalise Pain Management Programmes, addressing unique healthcare needs in Northwest England. Additionally, I explore brain ageing and pain interactions to predict chronic pain onset in at-risk populations, with a goal of enhancing preventative care. Together, my projects contribute to a comprehensive understanding of chronic pain, supporting innovations in assessment, prediction, and targeted interventions that respond to individual patient needs.
I welcome enquiries from potential PhD candidates.
Pain Research Group: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/population-health/about/psychology/research-themes/language-cognition-and-brain-science/pain/
Pain Research Institute: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/pain-research-institute/