Welcome!

Welcome to my blog, a space where science meets curiosity, and where the mysteries of the human mind are explored through the lens of cognitive neuroscience.

I’m Cristina Gil López, a PhD researcher passionate about understanding how the brain shapes who we are, how we feel, and how we interact with the world. My work delves into some of the most intriguing and unresolved questions in neuroscience.

What is consciousness?
How does a biological system like the brain generate the rich, subjective experience of being aware? Consciousness is not just a concept—it’s what it feels like to see a color, hear a melody, remember a childhood moment, or be moved by a powerful emotion. Exploring its origins is one of my core scientific obsessions.

How do emotions shape cognition?
From our earliest days, emotions guide how we learn, connect, and remember. I study how emotional processes influence key cognitive functions—such as language acquisition, social development, memory, and decision-making—and how early affective experiences leave lasting traces on the developing brain.

How does the brain adapt to change—and sometimes fail to?
The brain is remarkably plastic, but not infallible. Cognitive decline, mental health challenges, and neurodegenerative conditions remind us that the brain, while extraordinary, is vulnerable. I’m especially interested in how neuromodulation and emerging interventions can enhance cognitive function and promote brain health across the lifespan.

To answer these questions, I rely on a multidisciplinary approach that combines neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical insight, always with the goal of bringing scientific understanding closer to practical solutions that improve lives.

“The more I uncover about the brain’s secrets, the more I am humbled by its complexity and majesty.”

Thanks for stopping by. I invite you to explore, reflect, and join the journey of discovery.