My PhD investigates if top-down processes are involved in the perception of three-dimensional (3D) shape. I am particularly interested as to whether top-down (guided) attention facilitates the perception of 3D shape created from shading cues. My work also seeks to investigate if different cognitive and neurological processes underlie the perception of convexity and concavity. To investigate these notions, I employ both behavioural (e.g., accuracy / response time) and neuroscientific (e.g., event-related potentials) methods.

This research is being conducted under the supervision of Dr Ayelet Sapir and Prof Debbie Mills.

• MSc: Cognitive Neuroscience
  Swansea University, 2020–2021
• BSc: Criminology and Psychology
  Swansea University, 2017–2020

2025

• CyhoeddwydAttention induces a left hemispheric lateralization for three-dimensional shape from shading: an ERP study
  Matthews, J., Marí-Beffa, P., Mills, D. & Sapir, A., 29 Maw 2025.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Murlen › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2024

• CyhoeddwydAttention facilitates three-dimensional shape from shading
  Matthews, J., Mills, D. & Sapir, A., 25 Awst 2024.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Murlen › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2023

• CyhoeddwydThe Role of Top-Down Attention in Shape from Shading
  Matthews, J., Earnshaw, L., Mills, D. & Sapir, A., 27 Awst 2023.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Murlen › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

11th February 2025 - Obtained a Guarantors of Brain travel grant to support attendance at the cognitive neuroscience society (CNS) conference in Boston, USA. 

16th October 2023 - Awarded a competitive grant from the Taith Research Mobility Scheme to fund collaborative research with Dr Ronen Hershman at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. 

01st November 2022 - Recieved a grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) to support the project titled "The role of top-down attention in shape from shading".