Dr Wesley Pyke

Dr Wesley Pyke is a Lecturer in Psychology (with a Clinical Focus) at the University of Kent and Research Lead at the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT). He completed a BSc in Psychology with Criminology, an MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience, and a PhD in Psychology titled “Optimising Learning and Memory Retention: Exploring Variations of Retrieval-Based Learning Paradigms”.
At PCIT, Wesley has conducted over 150 clinical assessments and developed tailored support plans for people with Parkinson’s. His research focuses on holistic, non-drug therapies and he works closely with interdisciplinary colleagues to embed evidence-based practice into patient care. He also works with stroke patients to support recovery through integrated neuropsychological and rehabilitation approaches. At KMMS, his work focuses on translational neuroscience, including the use of ultra-low field MRI for diagnostic research in neurological and psychiatric conditions. 

Wesley’s research focuses on non-pharmacological interventions to support cognition and wellbeing, particularly in people with Parkinson’s. His work combines behavioural, clinical, and neurophysiological methods, with projects examining:

• Retrieval-based learning and memory consolidation
• EEG markers of brain plasticity
• Neurostimulation approaches (e.g. tDCS, GVS, VNS) including for People with Parkinson’s and stroke.
• Development of clinical tools such as a Patient Concerns Inventory and Brief Psychological Interventions
• Translational applications of ultra-low field MRI

He has been awarded funding from the Medical Research Council (£20,000) and the University of Kent (£2,500) to develop and evaluate innovative interventions. 

Wesley teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. His teaching covers the neuroscience of cognitive disorders, applied psychology in practice, and key questions in psychological science.

Wesley supervises undergraduate and MSc research projects in the areas of cognition, neuropsychology, and clinical interventions. He welcomes enquiries from prospective PhD students interested in non-pharmacological approaches to neurological conditions.