Miss Sabrina Sghirripa
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
PhD Candidate
School of Biomedicine
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
PhD Candidate (Medicine), Lifespan Human Neurophysiology Group
My research involves the use of non-invasive brain recording techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the neurophysiological changes that underlie cognitive ageing. I am particularly interested in the role of neural oscillations during complex cognitive processes such as working memory and attention, as well as how lifestyle factors influence cognitive and neural function in late life. I also have a keen interest in tertiary education and contribute to a range of health and medical science courses at the University of Adelaide and UniSA.
Research Project 1
Title: Brain Rhythms and Cognition in Healthy Ageing
Project Description: Advancing age is associated with a progressive decline in short-term or 'working' memory abilities. Brain rhythms in the alpha frequency range (8-12 Hz), as measured non-invasively from the scalp using electroencephalography (EEG), are thought to play an important role in orchestrating neural activity during working memory performance. Although alpha rhythms tend to reduce in power and frequency with age, little is known about how these changes, along with lifestyle factors, contribute to age-related memory decline. This project will examine the association between the alpha brain rhythm, lifestyle and working memory ability in healthy older adults.
Projects available for: Third year, Honours
Location: SAHMRI; AHMS (Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Tce)
Research project start: Semester 1 and 2
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Language Competencies
Language Competency English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2018 - 2018 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Honours) 2015 - 2017 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Psychological Science -
Research Interests
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Journals
Year Citation 2021 Sghirripa, S., Graetz, L., Merkin, A., Rogasch, N. C., Semmler, J. G., & Goldsworthy, M. R. (2021). Load-dependent modulation of alpha oscillations during working memory encoding and retention in young and older adults. Psychophysiology, 58(2), 1-15.
Scopus1 WoS1 Europe PMC12021 Sghirripa, S., Graetz, L., Merkin, A., Rogasch, N. C., Ridding, M. C., Semmler, J. G., & Goldsworthy, M. R. (2021). The role of alpha power in the suppression of anticipated distractors during verbal working memory. Brain Topography: journal of functional neurophysiology, 34(1), 102-109.
— Sghirripa, S., Graetz, L., Rogasch, N., Semmler, J., & Goldsworthy, M. (n.d.). Does predictive cueing of encoding stimulus duration modulate alpha power and facilitate visual working memory performance in younger and older adults?.
Scholarships
2019: Research Training Program Stipend
2018: Adelaide Medical School Honours Scholarship. $4000
2015: The University of Adelaide Principal's Choice Award. $5000
University of Adelaide:
Tutor, Marker and Lab Demonstrator for ANAT SC 1120 : Human Anatomy and Physiology IA (2020, 2021)
Tutor, Marker and Lab Demonstrator for ANAT SC 1130: Human Anatomy and Physiology IB (2020, 2021)
Tutor, Marker and Practical Demonstrator for HLTH SC 3201: Human Motor Behaviour and Learning (2019, 2020, 2021)
Placement Supervisor for HLTH SC 3009A: Research Placement Part 1 (2020, 2021)
Placement Supervisor for HLTH SC 3009B: Research Placement Part 2 (2020, 2021)
UniSA:
Tutor and Practical Demonstrator for HLTH 2026: Motor Control and Learning (2021)
Online Tutor and Marker for UOHLTH 1055: Lifespan Growth and Motor Development (2021)
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Other Supervision Activities
Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name 2021 - ongoing Co-Supervisor Age Differences in Distractor Inhibition During Visual Working Memory The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) Honours Full Time Rebecca Sutton 2021 - ongoing Co-Supervisor The Influence of Cognitive Reserve on Age-Related Changes in Neural Noise The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) Honours Full Time Emilia Ek 2020 - 2020 Co-Supervisor How Brain Oscillations Shape Working Memory Capacity The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Honours) Honours Full Time Jay Manion
Connect With Me
External Profiles
