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)
Thailand, UK, Portugal
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