Dr. Tom Carlson

Associate Professor

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Biography

Tom Carlson is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, where he focuses on exploring the brain mechanisms underlying human perception. His research employs a range of methods, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), to investigate how information is represented in the brain and how this influences behavior. He leads a computational theoretical neuroscience research group within the School of Psychology, engaging in projects that integrate advanced neuroimaging techniques and machine learning methodologies to decode perceptual information. Carlson has a notable academic trajectory, having held positions such as ARC Future Fellow and Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland. His collaborative projects span studies on object, motion, and face perception with institutions including University College London and the National Institute of Mental Health. Carlson's lab emphasizes a strong programming foundation, as evidenced by their research approach, which combines neuroscience and computer science to further understand cognitive processes. He is currently overseeing multiple research endeavors and is open to supervising Honours and PhD students in related fields.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2016-01-01 — Present

University of Sydney • Sydney, Australia

Leading research on brain mechanisms related to human perception.

ARC Future Fellow/Senior Lecturer

2013-01-01 — 2016-01-01

Macquarie University • Sydney, Australia

Conducted research on cognitive neuroscience.

Assistant Professor

2008-01-01 — 2013-01-01

University of Maryland • USA

Research in neuroscience and cognitive processes.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2004-01-01 — 2008-01-01

Harvard University/University of Utrecht • USA/Netherlands

Studied neural mechanisms and cognitive functions.

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.