Ellen Howard
I am an ESRC funded Psychology PhD student at the University of Nottingham.
My research focuses on the relationship between sensorimotor integration and social processing.
I created this website to summarise my research skills and experience.
PhD Project
My PhD project aims to investigate the links between specific sensorimotor integration and social processing in neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals.
Through this project I will try to answer these main questions:
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To what extent does delayed visuo-tactile-proprioceptive integration relate to performance on visual-perspective taking?
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Does a disruption in sensory integration modulate social skills (i.e. visual perspective taking, empathy)?
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Does the reported sensory experience of autistic individuals relate to social experience?
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
I have a particular interest in public engagement with scientific research. I believe that sharing our ideas and research findings is what makes science meaningful.
Soapbox Science 2020
In 2020 I was selected to give a talk for Soapbox Science 2020 - a novel public outreach platform for promoting women and non-binary scientists.
In this video, I talk about how our senses influence how we socialise and explain how body illusions are used in research - plus some illusions you can try at home.
EXPERIENCE
Nov 2020- Aug 2021
Research Assistant
The University of Nottingham
In this project, we are investigating the effectiveness of online interactions with neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals. Findings from this project will inform university policy for online interactions.
Jan - August 2017
Research Assistant
The University of Nottingham
My work in this position includes quantitative and qualitative data analysis, running research in UK primary schools, data collection and other duties such as questionnaire development.
Oct 2016
Public Engagement Representative
MIRAGE Lab, The University of Nottingham
Selected to represent the MIRAGE lab from the University of Nottingham at the ‘Healthy Brains’ event, demonstrating multi-sensory illusions and engaging with the general public about our research.
July - Sept 2015
Intern
MIRAGE Lab, The University of Nottingham
Key parts of this role included implementing pilot studies, independently collecting data, and analysing and interpreting results.
2015-2016
Public Engagement Representative
The Big Bang Fair, Birmingham
Chosen to represent the British Psychological Society in partnership with the MIRAGE lab. I demonstrated multisensory illusions and explained psychological concepts to hundreds of children interested in pursuing a career in science.
EDUCATION
2019- Present
PhD
The University of Nottingham
Supervisors: Dr Danielle Ropar & Dr Roger Newport
The University of Nottingham
Social Science Research MSc
Classification: Distinction
2018- 2019
Master's
2013-2016
Bachelor's Degree
The University of Nottingham
Degree: Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience BSc (Hons)
Classification: First
SKILLS
Microsoft Packages - Advanced
Coding in R - Proficient
Tableau - Proficient
SPSS - Advanced
PsychoPy - Adcanced
Mac and Windows- Proficient
PUBLICATIONS
Social context facilitates visuomotor synchrony and bonding in children and adults. (2021)
Scientific Reports
Ellen M. Howard, Danielle Ropar, Roger Newport & Bahar Tunçgenç
The Relative Contributions of Visual and Proprioceptive Inputs on Hand Localization in Early Childhood. (2021)
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Natasha Ratcliffe, Katie Greenfield, Danielle Ropar, Ellen M. Howard, & Roger Newport.
The Anne Boleyn Illusion is a Six-Fingered Salute to Sensory Remapping (2016)
iPerception
Roger Newport, Dominic Y. Wong, Ellen M. Howard and Eden Silver
Extending Body Perception Through the Universal Nature of Illusory Finger Stretching (2015)
iPerception
Roger Newport, Mark Carey, Katie Greenfield, Ellen M. Howard, Natasha Ratcliffe, Hayley Thair and Kristy Themelis
