Lauren Dacorro-Poole

Contact

Email: k2347511@kingston.ac.uk
Location: Penrhyn Road
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
School: School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences
Department: Department of Psychology

Research project: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Exercise on Executive Function in ADHD

Abstract

This research project explores Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), investigating its neural and biological dimensions. Given ADHD's widespread impact on daily functioning, diverse interventions are essential. Neuroimaging and psychophysiological studies reveal structural and functional anomalies, underscoring attentional misdirection and cognitive control deficits. Exercise, known for its established physical and mental benefits, emerges as a promising intervention. The study aims to identify markers influencing cognition and behavior in ADHD, proposing an exercise intervention. The significance lies in offering a safe, cost-effective alternative to medication and informing evidence-based exercise programs. Ultimately, this study seeks to advance our understanding of ADHD and enhance the well-being of those affected.

Research degree: PhD
Title of project: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Exercise on Executive Function in ADHD
Research supervisor: Dr Stone Hsieh
Other research supervisor: Dr Giulia Galli

Biography

I specialize in researching exercise-based interventions to enhance cognitive function in children with ADHD. My academic journey includes a master's degree from SFSU's Mind, Brain, and Behavior program, where I delved into cognitive psychology and neuroscience using EEG, ERP, and behavioral data. With a solid foundation in neuroimaging and neuroscience, I've accrued six years of professional experience at Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco. My expertise spans research design, study management, neuropsychological assessment administration, and data collection and analysis using EEG, fMRI, fNIRS, Python, and R. Notable projects include developing a virtual reality-based assessment for mild cognitive impairment, exploring neurofeedback and brain monitoring, investigating working memory in anxiety, and implementing cognitive training interventions for diverse populations, such as children with ADHD and older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment

Areas of research interest

Cognitive Psychology
ADHD
EEG
Cognitive Control
Cognitive Training
Exercise

Qualifications

M.A. in Cognitive Psychology, Mind, Brain, & Behavior, Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University
B.A. in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Biola University

Publications

Gozdas, E., Hinkley, L., Fingerhut, H., Dacorro, L., Gu, M., Sacchet, M., Hurd, R., & Hadi Hosseini, S. M. (2022). 1H-mrs neurometabolites and associations with neurite microstructures and cognitive functions in amnestic mild cognitive impairment. NeuroImage: Clinical, 103159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103159

Gozdas, E., Fingerhut, H., Dacorro, L., Bruno, J. L., & Hosseini, S. M. H. (2021). Neurite Imaging Reveals Widespread Alterations in Gray and White Matter Neurite Morphology in Healthy Aging and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment. Cerebral Cortex. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhab180

Gozdas, E., Fingerhut, H., Wu, H., Bruno, J. L., Dacorro, L., Jo, B., Ohara, R., Reiss, A. L., & Hosseini, S. H. (2021). Quantitative measurement of macromolecular tissue properties in white and gray matter in healthy aging and amnestic MCI. NeuroImage, 237, 118161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118161