Sabrina Sghirripa

Miss Sabrina Sghirripa

PhD Candidate

Health and Medical Sciences Faculty Office

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

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, 2022)

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, 2022)

Online Tutor and Marker for UOHLTH 1055: Lifespan Growth and Motor Development (2021, 2022)

  • 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