Dr Helen Gallagher

Senior Lecturer

Tel.: 0141 331 3398

Helen is currently acting Head of the Department of Psychology and Allied Health Sciences and a Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Imaging. She also holds an MSc in Clinical Neuroscience from the University of Surrey and a PhD in Cognitive Neuropsychology from University College London, in 2002.

Her doctoral research was an investigation of the neural correlates of social cognitive abilities using functional imaging techniques (fMRI and PET). This work revealed a network of brain regions involved in specific social cognitive abilities that have been found to be impaired in children with Autism and patients with Schizophrenia. The aim of this research was to characterise the functions and connectivity of these regions in the hope of better understanding the underlying causes of these disorders.

Her doctoral thesis was an opportunity to integrate her MSc Neuroscience training with her professional background in diagnostic neuroimaging and more specifically MRI and functional neuroimaging. Thus, the focus of her personal research is to broaden the evidence base and clinical applicability of fMRI in order to influence patient management by facilitating earlier diagnosis or predict
treatment outcomes.

Current research activities include examining the role of functional MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the management and rehabilitation of patients with MS or following stroke, and investigating the higher cognitive deficits and impaired neural pathways of children with developmental disorders such as Autism, Developmental Coordination Disorder and ADHD. She has successfully supervised a number of doctoral students from a range of professional disciplines. She holds a PgC in Learning and Teaching for Higher Education and is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Helen is Co-Chair of the Society and College of Radiographers Research Group.

Specialisms and Interests

Neuroscience
Leadership
Interprofessional Education

Professional Memberships

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (fHEA)

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR)

Selected Publications

Probst, H, Gallagher HL, Harris R (2011) Research and the radiography profession: A strategy for research 2010–2015. Radiography, 17 (4)

Wylie, DA, & Gallagher HL (2009) Transformational leadership behaviours within the Allied Health Professions in NHS Scotland. Journal of Allied Health. 38 (2), 65-73.

Gallagher HL & Frith CD (2004) Dissociable neural pathways for the perception and recognition of expressive and instrumental gestures. Neuropsychologia, 42(13): 1725-1736.

Frith CD, Gallagher HL & Maguire EA (2003) Mechanisms of control, in: RSJ Frackowiak, RJ Dolan, KJ Friston, CD Frith & S Zeki (Eds) Human Brain Function, 2nd ed, Elsevier: New York.

Gallagher HL & Frith CD (2003) Functional Imaging of Theory of Mind. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7(2):77-83.

Gallagher HL, Jack AI, Roepstorff A & Frith CD (2002) Imaging the Intentional Stance in a Competitive Game. NeuroImage, 16: 814-821.