Research Interests

My primary research revolves around the exploration of priors in visual perception across different age groups. By employing visual illusions as investigative tools, I seek to to contribute to a deeper understanding the intricate workings of perception and cognition.

In addition to my work in visual perception, I am excited about integrating technology and education. My pedagogical research focuses on leveraging AI technologies to optimise the learning experience and foster greater knowledge retention among students. By embracing AI in educational practices, I believe we can equip students with the skills they need to excel in a dynamic and swiftly-changing technological landscape.

Teaching Activities

I currently teach research methods and scientific communication. I take great pride in encouraging students to become independent thinkers and effective communicators within the scientific community. 

My third-year project for 2023/2024 is titled "I'm a Chatbot, Ask Me Anything: Designing Interactive Learning Experiences with AI Tools". Together with an external industry partner, my students will explore the various factors that impact the efficacy of learning materials and how AI can be used as a tool to support active engagement and lead to deeper information processing and retention.

Employability Lead

Beyond my research and teaching endeavours, I am the Employability Lead for the School of Psychology and Sport Science. In this capacity, I actively contribute to the university's strategic plan to embed employability and transferable skills into the curriculum to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in work and research, thus producing well-rounded graduates ready to make meaningful contributions to society.

• PhD: The Development of Visual Priors Across the Lifespan
  2018–2023
• MSc: Psychological Research
  2017–2018
• BSc: Psychology with Neuropsychology
  2014–2017

2023

• PublishedDo changes in the ability to perceive shape from shading index cognitive function? Evidence for sex-specific effects.
  Pickard-Jones, B. & Sapir, A., 27 Aug 2023.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review

2020

• Published3D Shape-from-Shading Relies on a Light Source Prior that Does Not Change With Age
  Pickard Jones, B., d'Avossa, G. & Sapir, A., Dec 2020, In: Vision Research. 177, p. 88-96
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2019

• PublishedHow our unconscious visual biases change the way we perceive objects
  Pickard-Jones, B., 15 Jan 2019, The Conversation.
  Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
• PublishedThe Development of the Light Source Bias in Shape-from-Shading
  Pickard Jones, B. & Sapir, A., 26 Aug 2019. 1 p.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review

2024

• International Enterprise Educators Conference 2024

  4 Sep 2024 – 6 Sep 2024

  Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Participant)

2021

• European Conference on Visual Perception

  Sequential dependencies in the perception of 3D shape-from-shading are driven by age-sensitive heuristics

  27 Aug 2021

  Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker)