Ovulation in humans is largely considered to be 'concealed'; we do not display obvious signs of fertility, like the sexual swelling seen in primates. However, subtle physiological and behavioural changes do occur across the menstrual cycle, which may act as indicators of fertility. Hormonal fluctuations across the cycle can impact skin condition, face/body symmetry and sexual behaviour. Females have been shown to alter their style of dress and have varying preferences for male facial and vocal masculinity across the cycle. There are even phase-dependent fluctuations in neural activation while evaluating males as potential partners.

I am based in the Perception Lab. My research is supervised by Dr. Dave Perrett, and will focus on measuring cyclical behavioural and physiological changes as well as the impact of hormonal contraceptive use on these changes.