We are using functional MRI to analyze the brain areas and neural pathways that regulate inner speech. We have characterized a part of the human premotor cortex that seems to mediate the inner voice, and are interested in how this brain area contributes to cognition, self-awareness, and consciousness. Our collaborator for this work is Dr. Michel Belyk (Edge Hill University, UK).

2. A vocal model of the origin of musical scales

We have proposed a production-based vocal model of the origin of musical scales as an alternative to the standard perceptual model based on the natural harmonic series. This “interval spacing” model has been shown to be the best explanation of the intervallic spacings of musical scales across world cultures. Our collaborator for this work is Dr. John McBride.

3. A classification of world dance

We are currently attempting to generate a classification of the dance styles of the world, following in the footsteps of seminal work on “choreometrics” by Alan Lomax and his colleagues. This includes an interest in narrative dance as a form of acting and storytelling. Our collaborator for this work is Dr. Dan Cameron (McMaster University).

4. Role playing in theatre and everyday life

We are using functional MRI to study role playing in actors and non-actors with the intent of shedding light on brain areas whose activity changes when people portray another person, whether fictional or real. Our collaborators on this project are Alexandru Berceanu (University of Theatre and Film, Bucharest, Romania) and Nisha Sajnani (New York University).

5. Other areas of interest

Other areas of interest include the interface between creativity and aesthetics, the neural basis of drawing and writing, the biological basis of religion, cinema and the brain, cultural evolution, and the narrative nature of conversation.