I’m happy to share a nice milestone: I have just been awarded my first research “sexenio” from ANECA, specifically covering the period between 2017 and 2022.
A sexenio is an official evaluation that recognizes six years of continuous research and publications. It is a very meaningful step for anyone working in academia here. I am very grateful for the support and looking forward to whatever the next years of research will bring!
I am extremely happy to share that my project, “Exploring the positive effects of mind wandering on statistical learning,” has been awarded the prestigious Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2024 grant. This significant funding of 112,500 euros from the Agencia Estatal de Investigación marks a major milestone, as it’s my first ever grant as a Principal Investigator. The project will challenge the common assumption that mind wandering is solely a negative process by investigating its potential benefits for statistical learning. I plan to explore how different types of mind wandering interact with this process and whether it can be manipulated to enhance cognitive performance.
Mind wandering during implicit learning is associated with increased periodic EEG activity and improved extraction of hidden probabilistic patterns, Journal of Neuroscience
Often seen as a distraction, mind wandering may actually boost certain types of learning. Our study found it positively correlated with probabilistic learning. Brain activity in low-frequency ranges—similar to sleep states—was linked to both mind wandering and better learning, particularly in early stages.
Mind-wandering (MW) occupies 30-50% of our waking hours, yet its purpose remains unclear. This study explored MW’s role in predictive learning by measuring task performance and probabilistic information extraction during on-task and MW states. Results showed MW enhanced the extraction of hidden patterns, suggesting it plays a functional role in cognition and predictive processes. This highlights the adaptive potential of MW and its ability to enhance cognitive abilities.
As a cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist, my work is dedicated to understanding the fascinating complexities of the brain and how we learn. With over 10 years of academic research experience, I’m particularly passionate about statistical learning – the process by which we extract regularities from our environment. My current research specifically investigates the impact of mind wandering on this cognitive process.
My research broadly explores the intricate mechanisms of learning and memory, with a strong emphasis on skill acquisition. I examine how we learn new skills, both explicitly and implicitly, and how these processes are shaped by neural activity. A core focus is on the neural underpinnings of these abilities, utilizing techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to probe and modulate brain function. My work also delves into how factors like explicit instructions, sleep, and rest periods influence skill development and consolidation. I also investigate the relationship between statistical learning and other cognitive functions, including working memory and executive functions. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring numerous students, including currently co-supervising 5 PhD students. My work has resulted in more than 35 publications in mostly Q1-rated international peer-reviewed journals and frequent presentations at international conferences.
I currently work as a researcher at the Gran Canaria Cognitive Research Center. In addition to my research, I also serve as the leader of the Cognitive Neuroscience Research line within the Psychology PhD school of the Universidad del Atlántico Medio.
2024 – Present
Researcher & Coordinatior of the Cognitive Neuroscience Research line of the Psychology Doctoral School
Universidad del Atlántico Medio, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
2023 – 2024
Post-Doctoral Researcher
INSERM, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Lyon, France
2021 – 2022
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
2019 – 2021
Research Engineer
Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
2018 – 2019
Visiting PhD Student
Timone Neuroscience Institute, Université d’Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
2016 – 2020
PhD Student in Clinical Medicine (Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience)
Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
2014 – 2016
Master of Cognitive and Neuropsychology
Institute of Psychology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
