Q&A with Dr Rebecca Gordon

Dr Rebecca Gordon is an Associate Professor of Cognitive Psychology in the Centre for Educational Neuroscience at the Department of Psychology and Human Development.

What attracted you to take up your position at IOE? 

I had been working at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London for a few years. While that was interesting in many ways, I was looking for something more aligned to my area of expertise in cognitive development and neurocognitive mechanisms related to education.

The perfect role came up in the Department of Psychology and Human Development at IOE. I was absolutely delighted when I was offered the position.

How long have you been at IOE?

I started at IOE in September 2018. This means 2023/2024 will be my sixth academic year at UCL, which is quite a surprise now I’ve realised it.

What do you most enjoy about your position and why?

Aside from the diverse research culture, definitely the staff and students. This was very evident during the pandemic. Fellow academic and administrative staff were so collaborative and collegiate; and the students were so supportive and understanding, I was moved to tears on a few occasions (probably partly exhaustion too).

It was certainly an extremely tough time in academia, where we worked relentlessly to ensure the delivery of our programmes, but it really highlighted to me just how wonderful people can be.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of? 

Early last year, I set up a lab with Professor Andy Tolmie examining the interaction between motor cognition and executive function in children (MECI Lab).

The aim is to better understand how executive functions develop from, rely upon, and control motor behaviours, and how this might impact different areas of learning.

We have developed a new task to test the paradigm and are in the process of applying for funding for a pilot study. Louise Livingstone is a PhD student based in the lab and she is doing some really exciting work looking at these factors in the early years. Also, some of our MSc students have used the task in their dissertation research. The lab meetings see some great discussion.

What is the focus of your research and what benefits do you hope your discoveries and/or insights will bring?

Whilst I consider myself to be a cognitive psychologist, I am also a developmental psychologist.

In combination, my research focus is the precise measurement of the higher-order neurocognitive abilities (i.e. executive function/working memory) that are so important in learning and everyday life.In combination, my research focus is the precise measurement of the higher-order neurocognitive abilities (i.e. executive function/working memory) that are so important in learning and everyday life.

This opens up possibilities for theory development and ultimately, reasonable adjustments and interventions for children and adults who struggle with these abilities.

What's the most important thing you've learned from your students about the subjects you teach?

That there are many different ways of understanding concepts and applying that knowledge. This is what informs effective and innovative teaching.

I learn from my students in every interaction.

Do you think being in London and at UCL benefits your work and why?

There are definite benefits from working in the largest city in the UK.

There are so many opportunities working in such a large and prestigious university, but also with the other institutions in London and the broader community.

I am currently working with City Lit and the Bloomsbury Festival to organise some Sci Comms events in the autumn. This will allow the experts in our department to interact directly with the people we want to benefit from our research activities. The focus is quite diverse, including deafness, vision impairment, eating disorders, bullying, aging and much more.   

What other subject outside of your area of specialism interests you?

I used to teach neuropsychology, which I find fascinating. Our knowledge of brain function from case studies of unfortunate people who have suffered traumatic brain injury is invaluable. We owe them a great deal.

What might it surprise people to know about you?

Although I am quite an outgoing person, I really enjoy spending time alone. I relish complete silence.

Also, I used to do a lot of modern dance in my teens, 20s and 30s. I do it less now, but still look for opportunities.    

Is there anything else you would like to add about your experiences at UCL or IOE?

I think I shall never tire of walking though Bloomsbury, realising how fortunate I am to work in such a beautiful part of London. 

Last updated 19 May 2023.

Dr Rebecca Gordon. Image permission: Rebecca Gordon.

View Dr Rebecca Gordon's research profile (IRIS)

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