Dr David Moreau

Biography

I completed my PhD at the University of Lille, France, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University. I arrived at The University of Auckland in 2015, where I now lead the Brain Dynamics Lab (braindynamicslab.com).

Research | Current

The Brain Dynamics Lab focuses on the variability inherent to behavioral and neural systems, in the context of normal development, neurological diseases and disorders, and as a result of interventions.

More specifically, research in the lab is centered on three main goals:

(1) Theoretical: understanding the mechanisms of behavioral and neural change; 

(2) Methodological: refining the measurements and methods to evaluate these dynamics;

(3) Translational: designing and implementing interventions to improve mental and physical health.​

We pursue these three intertwined lines of research in the hope to further our understanding of typical and disordered brains, with the overall goal to facilitate personalized approaches to intervention.

Teaching | Current

PSYCH306: Research Methods in Psychology - Course coordinator, Lecturer

PSYCH756: Dynamics of Brain and Behavior - Course coordinator, Lecturer

PSYCH722: Learning and Human Development - Lecturer

PSYCH744: Experimental Design and Quantitative Methods for Psychology - Lecturer

PSYCH109: Content Developer

Postgraduate supervision

I supervise postgraduate students at the Honors, Masters and PhD level. Possible research areas for postgraduate students include:

• The dynamics of brain and behavior
• The neural mechanisms underlying cognitive performance
• The influence of health interventions (e.g., exercise, diet) on brain and cognition
• The development of novel methods to assess variability in brain and behavior
• Meta-science, mathematical simulations, and replications

Distinctions/Honours

• Early Career Research Excellence Award (2019)
• Centre for Brain Research Emerging Researcher Award (2018)
• National Award for Best PhD Thesis in Science (2013)
• National Research Fellowship (2011)
• Fulbright Fellowship (2008)
• Fulbright Award, Washington D.C. (2008)
• E.U. Exchange Student Fellowship (2007)
• National Student Fellowship (2007)
• Franco-Canadian Bilateral Fellowship (2004)

Areas of expertise

Cognitive Neuroscience; Training and Plasticity of Cognition; Methods; Statistics; Mathematical Modeling

Committees/Professional groups/Services

• Research Methods Working Group, School of Psychology, 2018-present
• Neuroimaging User Group, School of Psychology, 2017-present
• Statistical Consultant for the Growing Up in New Zealand study, 2016-present
• Emerging Researcher Committee, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, 2016-present
• Strategic Planning Group Committee, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, 2016-present
• National Development Grant Referee (ad hoc), 2015