Controlled Breathing and Brain–Heart Coupling During Cognitive Tasks: Simultaneous EEG-fNIRS-HRV in Younger and Older Adults
Collaborative study between TRU and IBERO, Mexico City – Claudia Gonzalez Lozano (TRU, Psychology), MariNieves Pardo Rodriguez, and Erik Bojorges (IBERO, Biomedical Engineering).
Funded by the Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program, Canada. 2026
Investigating the Effects of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Cognitive Function
Collaborative study between TRU and The U of Leeds – Dr Claudia Gonzalez Lozano, Dr Melanie Burke (U of Leeds) and Dr Mark Rakobowchuk.
This research study aims to investigate how non-invasive brain stimulation affects cognitive function. It involves repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to temporarily enhance brain activity in specific regions. We will explore the potential benefits of a non-invasive intervention for cognitive performance in healthy adults.
Funding: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Boosting minds – Exploring Interventions for Enhanced Brain Function and Mental Health in Adults.
Investigating age-related changes in brain function and cognitive performance using fNIRS
Dr Claudia Gonzalez as PI, Dr Rakobowchuk (collaborator, Faculty of Science, TRU)
Projects within this theme are aimed at identifying and characterizing the brain function and cognitive changes (i.e., memory, attention) related to healthy aging.
We implement brain imaging and cognitive tests of varied levels of complexity to test the predominant theories of neurocognitive aging. .
This research has been made possible in part through JELF-CFI funding, which supported the acquisition of the neuroimaging infrastructure used in these projects- Gonzalez C as PI
Naturalistic mapping of typical and atypical functional connectivity in human brain development.
This is part of a newly obtained New Frontiers Research Fund Exploration NFRFE grant ($250, 000).
Researchers: Jenni Karl, PhD (Co-PI), Claudia Gonzalez, PhD (Co-PI), and Musfiq Rahman, PhD (Co-applicant).
We aim to co-collect brain imaging using fNIRS linked with behaviour in developing infants (6 mo to 2 yrs).
This research can provide further understanding of the brain-behaviour changes that occur in infant development.
Population Health and Aging Rural Research (PHARR) Centre
The Population Health and Aging Rural Research Centre aims to advance community-driven, interdisciplinary research and knowledge mobilization to improve health equity, quality of life, dementia care, and aging in place for rural older adults.
Director: Juanita-Dawne Bacsu, Assistant Professor, Tier II CRC in Nursing and Population Health, School of Nursing, TRU
Researchers:
Wendy Hulko, Faculty of Education and Social Work, TRU
Claudia Gonzalez, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, TRU
Anila Virani and Melba D’Souza, School of Nursing, TRU
Mark Rakobowchuk, Faculty of Science, TRU
Neural Correlates of Optic Ataxia in Adults & Children with Cerebral Visual Impairment
This is an ongoing collaborative project:
Jenni Karl, Associate Professor of Psychology, Thompson Rivers University
Isobel Hay, Pediatrician, NHS Dumfries & Galloway
Claudia Gonzalez, Associate Professor of Psychology, Thompson Rivers University
Uma Shahani, Senior Lecturer of Vision Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University
Laura Ward, Research Associate, Glasgow University
Published!
Gaze behaviour in expert and non-experts during and after fatiguing exercise
Collaborative project between Dr Claudia Gonzalez and Dr Mark Rakobowchuk (Science, TRU).
This project combined knowledge of physiology (Dr Rakobowuchuk) with sports psychology and cognition (Dr Gonzalez).
Student Researcher: Jost Hausendorf (Psychology Honours student, graduated from TRU 2024).