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Dr Crystal Haskell
Role: Associate Director
Email: crystal.haskell@northumbria.ac.uk
Phone: 0191 2274875
Room: NB402a
About
Crystal graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2001 with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. She then went on to work as a Research Assistant at the University of Strathclyde. She joined Northumbria University in February 2003 as a PhD Researcher. She is now a Research Fellow and Associate Director of the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre.
Research
Crystal's doctoral thesis examines the biobehavioural effects of caffeine in isolation as well as in combination. The findings of her thesis show that there are cognitive and mood benefits of caffeine which are not simply due to a reversal of withdrawal effects in regular caffeine users. Several studies also demonstrated psychostimulant properties of guaraná (a caffeine-containing extract of a South American berry), where modulation of the effects of caffeine was observed. This was also demonstrated in a study examining the effects of combining caffeine with L-theanine (an amino acid found in tea). Her research also covers neurocognitive effects of a number of other food components and supplements including vitamins, plant polyphenols, Ginkgo biloba; Panax ginseng, sage, valerian and lemon balm.
Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre
School of Psychology and Sport Sciences
4th Floor, Northumberland Building
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
t: 44 (0) 191 2048818
e: bpnrc@northumbria.ac.uk
Members of
Nutrials
Medicinal Plant Research Group