Annabel Wright
Lisboa
Summary
Critical Period Mechanisms | Neuroplasticity | Systems Neuroscience
My research interest focuses on the "biological brakes" of the adult brain, specifically the role of Parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons and Perineuronal Nets (PNNs) in limiting Second Language Acquisition (SLA). I am interested in leveraging ultra-high-field/functional MRI and computational modeling to identify and modulate neural markers of plasticity in adult learners.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Pedagogical Practitioner (ESL)
01.2011 - Current
- Behavioral Observation: Conducted 14 years of "fieldwork" observing the cognitive hurdles of adult Second Language Acquisition (SLA).
- Curriculum Design: Developed evidence-based interventions to bypass "fossilised" linguistic patterns, correlating behavioral outcomes with hypothesised critical period constraints.
- Lisbon Focus (Cambridge School Portugal | 2018–2022): Investigated the interference of native neural templates on adult Portuguese/English acquisition within the local resident community.
Software Quality Assurance Tester
VML Enterprise Solutions
01.2022 - 01.2023
- System Validation: Applied rigorous testing protocols to ensure system stability and data integrity for enterprise-scale software.
- Agile Framework: Managed iterative development cycles, ensuring that complex system "bugs" were identified and documented with scientific precision.
- Lab Transferability: Expert in maintaining meticulous documentation and following stringent verification protocols—critical for neuroimaging and computational lab work.
Education
MA - Philosophy of Mind (Part-time)
King’s College London
London, UK01.2019
Neuroanatomical Mapping Project
King’s College London
London, UK01.2017
International Summer University (FUBiS)
Freie Universität Berlin
Berlin, Germany01.2016
BA (Hons) - English and Philosophy
University of Nottingham
Nottingham, UK01.2014
Skills
- Neuroimaging: White Matter Tractography, Functional Brain Mapping
- Systems & Quality Assurance: ISTQB Certified (Foundation & Agile); Protocol Verification, System Testing, Data Integrity
- Methodologies: Agile, Iterative Experimental Design, Longitudinal Behavioral Observation
- Languages: English (Native); Portuguese (B1); German (B1)
Timeline
Software Quality Assurance Tester
VML Enterprise Solutions
01.2022 - 01.2023
Lead Pedagogical Practitioner (ESL)
01.2011 - Current
Neuroanatomical Mapping Project
King’s College London
International Summer University (FUBiS)
Freie Universität Berlin
BA (Hons) - English and Philosophy
University of Nottingham
MA - Philosophy of Mind (Part-time)
King’s College London
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Finnart House School Trust Award | University of Nottingham | 2011 – 2014
- Competitive merit-based scholarship awarded for the duration of undergraduate studies.
- Recognised for consistent academic excellence in low income backgrounds.
AJA Award | University of Nottingham | 2011 – 2014
- Awarded in recognition of exceptional academic achievement and continued research promise in low income backgrounds.
PERSONAL DETAILS & DIVERSITY
- Legally recognised as disabled (Multiusos 66%).
- Hold a Portuguese driving licence (which can be exchanged for a UK license).
- Portuguese resident under the rights of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (resident since September 2018).
References
Bill Brewer
Professor of Philosophy
MA Supervisor
King’s College London
bill.brewer@kcl.ac.uk
Greg Scorzo
PhD Philosophy
Seminar Tutor - Political Philosophy
The University of Nottingham
greg@gregscorzo.com
Kevin Harrison
English Teacher
Co-worker
Cambridge School Portugal
kev_harrison@hotmail.co.uk
Marco Catani
Consultant Psychiatrist
Neuroscience (Tractography) Professor
King’s College London
marco.catani@unich.it