Principal Investigator

David I. Shore, PhD

Dr. David I. Shore is a professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) at McMaster University. As the Principal Investigator of the Multisensory Perception Laboratory, he enjoys working with undergraduate and graduate students on research projects in multisensory integration, action-perception interactions, multisensory development, and attention.

He completed his B.Sc. in Psychology at McMaster University and followed up with an M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia. After completing post-doctoral fellowships at Dalhousie University and the Rotman Research Institute (University of Toronto), his journey in academia brought him back to where it all began - returning to teach at McMaster.

Now a full Professor, he teaches "The Multisensory Mind" (PSYCH 3D03) and "NOISE in Human Decision Making" (PNB 4J03). From 2010 to 2015, he served as the Department's Associate Chair (academic). During this time, he led the redevelopment of the core curriculum, created a B.A.Sc. in Human Behaviour, a B.Sc. in Neuroscience, and specializations in mental health and music cognition. He also created the PNB 2XD3; a now-required and highly-praised scientific writing course for undergraduates in the PNB program.

He has authored or contributed to over 75 publications, in collaboration with colleagues and students in the Multisensory Perception Lab and worldwide. He has supervised over 250 students throughout his career, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He is a member of the Psychonomic Society, the International Multisensory Research Forum, and the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour, and Cognitive Science.

Graduate Students

Aidan Knights, BSc (Hon)

Masters of Science Student

Aidan is in his first year Masters’ program under the supervision of Dr. David Shore. He is investigating the intersection between mental imagery, attention, and working memory. His current project investigates the deficits mental imagery produces in the processing of external perceptual stimuli. This program of research reflects a broader interest in consciousness, qualia, the phenomenal self, and egocentric perception. In his spare time Aidan enjoys playing music, meditation, hiking, portaging, movies, and a good ole cup o’ Joe.

Rachel Simon, BHSc (Hon)

Masters of Science Student

Rachel is a first year Masters student in the Multisensory Perception (MSP) Lab. She is researching the effects of psychedelics on depressive rumination, cognition, and metaphysical beliefs. Rachel joined the MSP lab back in 2022, completing her undergraduate Honours thesis on floatation REST. She then graduated from McMaster in May of 2023 with her Bachelor's of Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Throughout the past year, she worked as a research assistant for the MSP lab whilst completing a microprogram in Psychedelics and Spirituality Studies (University of Ottawa).

Fermin Retnavarathan, McMaster University

Fermin Retnavarathan, BA (Hon)

Masters of Neuroscience Candidate

Fermin completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, specializing in mental health. During her fourth year of study, she completed an honours thesis overseen by Dr. David Shore and Dr. Brendan Stanley on auditory-tactile temporal perception in adults. Currently, Fermin is embarking on her second year in the Neuroscience graduate program. Her research centres on evaluating the reliability and validity of binocular vision tests designed to explore hidden binocularity in amblyopia patients.

Staff

Grace Mullen, BA (Hons)

Lab Manager

Grace first met Dr. Shore while taking his PSYCH 3D03 course, which sparked her interest in the field and taught her valuable academic writing skills. She joined the Multisensory Perception (MSP) Lab in 2023 through a Library Study course, focusing on the cognitive and political impacts of media misinformation and advocating for improving digital literacy. Now a recent graduate with an Honours Social Sciences degree, Grace manages the MSP Lab under Dr. Shore's supervision while also working with the McMaster Digital Transformation Research Centre. She is passionate about contributing to academia and plans to pursue a master's degree.

Brendan M. Stanley, PhD

Lab and Research Consultant

Since joining the Multisensory Perception Lab in 2013, Brendan has been pivotal in managing the lab and advancing its research programs. He recently completed his PhD under the supervision of Dr. David I. Shore. His thesis delved into the development of audiotactile interactions in the temporal domain, focusing on typically developing children and those who were briefly visually deprived at birth due to congenital cataracts. Brendan collaborated closely with mentors Dr. Daphne Maurer, Dr. Terri Lewis, and Dr. Yi-Chuan Chen. Beyond research, he is deeply committed to mentorship. To date, he has guided over 35 undergraduate students, helping them successfully complete their projects in the lab. Although Brendan now works for the McMaster Digital Transformation Research Centre, he still consults on research projects and lab management activities.

2024/2025 Undergraduate Researchers

Sarah Armstrong

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Level 4
Erica Li

Integrated Science, Level 4
Riley Morgan

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Level 3
Tara Nichols

Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Level 4
Bianca Padilla

Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Level 4
Dasnoor Saini

Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Level 3
Max Schaub

Kinesiology, Level 3
Natalia Szczepaniak

Health Sciences, Level 3
Jordan Lynn Turkstra

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour - Mental Health Specialization, Level 3