My work has primarily focussed on factors that influence neuroplasticity in human motor cortex. Neuroplasticity is important in learning and memory, and also recovery from various central nervous system injuries. Factors which have the ability to influence motor cortex plasticity that I have examined include regular physical activity, brain hemispheres, ageing, and a common genetic polymorphism on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. I use the recent technology of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess motor cortex plasticity. TMS is a non-invasive and painless technique which allows indirect assessment of human motor cortex activity by electromyography recordings. I have induced plasticity of the motor cortex using experimental protocols (such as paired associative stimulation) and motor training protocols (such as acceleration and visuomotor tracking) in order to investigate mechanisms of neuroplasticity in humans. I continue to develop my knowledge and experience in several electrophysiological techniques and magnetic resonance imaging. I have applied these research tools to better understand corticospinal function following incomplete spinal cord injury and, more recently, identify factors that predict how best to apply non-invasive brain stimulation to modulate inhibitory tone and facilitate motor recovery in the initial days and weeks after stroke. These projects highlight my main interest in understanding how voluntary movement is generated and what mechanisms have important implications in motor recovery in humans following neurological insult. Ultimately, these findings aim to support the development of novel and more effective therapeutic interventions after injury.