Dr Abigail Fiske
Lecturer in NeuroscienceResearch Overview
My research focuses on the development of executive function skills from infancy to early childhood. Using child-friendly neuroimaging called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), my research aims to understand how changes in the brain might support the development of these early executive function skills across the first years of life. In my work, I also explore individual differences, developmental trajectories, and how early experiences shape executive function skills. Overall, my research aims to improve our understanding of early cognitive development and inform early support strategies to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.
Current Teaching
This academic year (2025/2026) I am teaching on the following modules:
- PSYC112/132 Introduction to Neuroscience (Module Coordinator)
- PSYC505 Developmental Psychology
- PSYC507 Psychology in Education
I am also supervising students for their undergraduate and master's dissertations.
Improving Research Community Builder Award
03/02/2025 → 30/04/2025
Other
Advanced neuroimaging training and overseas laboratory visit
30/10/2023 → 31/05/2024
Research
Inhibitory Control Development from Infancy: Identifying Neural Correlates and Mapping Behavioural Trajectories into Early Childhood.
16/09/2019 → 17/05/2024
Research
ICDL Family Fun Day
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
New Tricks in Research Integrity
Other
Measuring Brain and Behaviour in the First Years of Life: A Spotlight on Early Executive Function Development
Oral presentation
Invited Speaker
Invited talk
Lab Tour and Knowledge Exchange for Lancashire County Council Network Of Outstanding Providers
Influence on Policy, Practice, Patients & the Public
International Congress of Infant Studies (External organisation)
Membership of committee
Society for fNIRS (External organisation)
Member of Working Group
Fetal Infant Toddler Neuroimaging Group (External organisation)
Membership of committee
Honorable Mention, Oustanding Dissertation Award, International Congress of Infant Studies
Prize (including medals and awards)
Contribution to Research Culture, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
Prize (including medals and awards)
Highly Commended Student Researcher Credibility Prize, British Neuroscience Association
Prize (including medals and awards)
Graduate Travel Award, Society for Research in Child Development
Prize (including medals and awards)
Keeley Senior Scholarship, Wadham College, University of Oxford
Prize (including medals and awards)
Best Paper Talk, Lancaster Conference of Infant and Child Development
Prize (including medals and awards)
Improving Research Community Builder Award
Prize (including medals and awards)
BPS Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research Contributions to Psychology
Prize (including medals and awards)
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience and Neurocognition