DrKatie Gilligan-Lee

Katie's research focuses on how an understanding of cognitive development can be used to inform and improve education. Her current research specifically focuses on spatial and mathematical development in both typical and atypical populations. Katie is interested in understanding the factors that influence success in mathematics including: cognitive predictors such as spatial thinking, memory and language; affective predictors like mathematics anxiety; and early home factors like mathematical play and spatial language exposure. Katie employs a range of methodological approaches including secondary analysis of nationally representative cohort study data, e.g., the Millennium Cohort Study; meta-analyses; cross-sectional experimental-based approaches to studying development; and intervention-based research.​ Katie is an advocate for open research and applies open research principles across her research. This includes research exploring open research understanding in undergraduate students, and best practice for applying open research in teaching at third level.

Some more specific research projects that Katie is currently working on include:

1) Comparing embodied and non-embodied approaches to cognitive training
2) Investigating the use of Lego interventions to improve spatial and mathematics skills in primary school children
3) Investigating the role of spatial thinking for science achievement
4) Understanding children's perceptions of Science and Scientists
5) Establishing profiles of spatial development and associations between spatial thinking and mathematics in people with Down Syndrome
6) The STAND project investigating technology-use in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders

I have worked on several projects translating my research into resources for teachers. More details can be found below:
(a) The Spatial Reasoning Toolkit was developed in collaboration with the Early Childhood Maths Group. This free resource can be used to help children to develop their spatial reasoning skills. You can access the toolkit here: https://earlymaths.org/spatial-reasoning-toolkit/
(b) FIND: Teacher training resource to support educational professionals working with children with genetic syndromes. The development of this free resource was led by Dr Jo Moss and the Cerebra Network. It can be accessed here: https://www.findteacherresources.co.uk/