Research Interests

Adam’s primary area of expertise is brain imaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). He is particularly interested in functional connectivity and other forms of analysing network interactions, i.e., how different regions of the brain interact so that we can complete a cognitive task. His overarching interest is in how the brain learns. His previous work revolves around the motor system, particularly the mirror neuron system and the evolution of language, as well as changes in brain activity in primary motor cortex during learning of basic novel movements. 

Current research focuses on the reward system, sex hormones. He also has a strong interest in memetics.

Research Collaborations

Annette Sterr (Department of Psychology, University of Surrey) investigating stroke rehabilitation.

Phil Dean (Department of Psychology, University of Surrey) investigating mild traumatic brain injury.

Matthew Casey (Department of Computing, University of Surrey) on modelling sub-cortical vision.

Álvaro Machado Dias (Department of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo) investigating theory of mind.

Edson Amaro Junior (Department of Radiology, University of São Paulo) investigating imitation utilizing hyperscanning.

Joao Sato (Universidade Federal do ABC, Brazil) application of Granger causality connectivity analysis.

Publications

Szameitat AJ, McNamara A, Shen S, Sterr A (2012) Neural Activation and Functional Connectivity during Motor Imagery of Bimanual Everyday Actions. PLoS ONE 7(6): e38506. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0038506.  http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0038506

McNamara A. (2011) Can we measure memes?  Front. Evol. Neurosci. 3:1. doi: 10.3389/fnevo.2011.00001.
http://94.236.98.240/evolutionary_neuroscience/10.3389/fnevo.2011.00001/abstract

Menz M., McNamara A., Klemen J & Binkofski F. (2009) Dissociating Networks of Imitation. Human Brain Mapping 30: 3339-3350 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19350561 .

Blangero A., Menz M.M., McNamara A., Binkofski F. Parietal modules for reaching. Neuropsychologia. 2008 Dec 6 [Epub ahead of print].

McNamara A., Buccino G., Menz M., Glaescher J., Wolbers T., Baumgaertner A. & Binkofski F. Neural Dynamics of Learning Sound – Action Associations. PLoS ONE. (2008):3(12):e3845.

McNamara A., Tegenthoff M., Dinse H., Büchel C., Binkofski F., Ragert P. Increased functional connectivity is crucial for learning novel muscle synergies. NeuroImage. 2007 Apr 15;35(3):1211-8. Epub 2007 Jan 25.

Shikata E., McNamara A., Hamzei F., Glauche V., Koch M., Binkofski F. Localization of human intraparietal areas AIP, CIP and LIP using surface orientation and saccadic eye movement tasks. Human Brain Mapping. 2007 May 11; [Epub ahead of print]

Ertelt D., McNamara A., Dettmers C., Hamzei F., Buccino G., Binkofski F. Novel video therapy post stroke is associated with a reactivation of physiological motor circuits. (in press) NeuroImage. 2007;36 Suppl 2:T164-73. Epub 2007 Mar 31.

Annette Baumgaertner, Giovanni Buccino, Ruediger Lange, Adam McNamara, Ferdinand Binkofski. Polymodal conceptual processing of human biological actions in the left inferior frontal lobe. Eur J Neurosci. 2007 Feb;25(3):881-9. Epub 2007 Feb 12.
Wolbers T., Schoell E.D., Verleger R., Kraft S., McNamara A., Jaskowski P., Büchel C. (2006) Changes in connectivity profiles as a mechanism for strategic control over interfering subliminal information. Cereb. Cortex 16(6), 857-864.

Schwindack C., Siminotto E., Meyer M., McNamara A., Marshall I., Wardlaw J. M., Whittle I. R. Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) in patients with brain tumours: preliminary findings using motor and language paradigms. Br J Neurosurg. 19(1) 25:32 (2005).

PhD Students

Kaylee Moakes: 
Hormones and Behaviour

Georgia Eleftheriou: 
Reward Learning during childhood development.

Grants and funding

ESRC/MRC interdisciplinary studentship 4 year
£89,670

Short Knowledge Transfer Partnership 40weeks
£38,000 + business costs

Santander Doctoral Award
£5000 travel funds.

FAPESPE
£5000 travel funds

Widening Access & Participation Fund Equipment
£250

MILES funding:  

" Predictive Modelling of the Social Networks Influencing Obesity"  £7,800

"Modelling Menstrual Hormones and Behaviour"  £10,200

"Comparing Models of Reinforcement Learning in the Laboratory and in Real World Settings."  £4,700

"Crowd sourcing disease incidence using SmartPhones and mapping data to satellite images of water quality in Africa."  £15,000