Let’s start by talking about synesthesia—because if you don’t know what that is, you won’t understand the magnitude of ̽ alum Linden Williamson’s latest accomplishment.
Have you ever “heard” a color? Or “tasted” a word? Or “seen” a song? If so, you might be experiencing synesthesia—not a disease, but a different way of perceiving the world around us. One sense triggers a response in another. There are different types of synesthesia, but that will serve as your (very brief) introduction.
The phenomenon isn’t rare, but it is uncommon, and Linden Williamson has studied it for years—including during her undergraduate years, under the guidance of the late Dr. Scott Bailey, professor of psychology at ̽. And this fall, Sage Journals published an article Williamson co-authored entitled, “Increased prevalence of synaesthesia in musicians” in Perception, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. (Note: Synaesthesia is the British spelling of the word.)
“I'm over the moon to publish this collaborative work between the ̽ Synesthesia Research Team and Dr. Jamie Ward of the University of Sussex,” says Williamson, who graduated ̽ in 2024 and is now a Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) scholar at UT Health’s Graduate School of Biomedical Science. Dr. Ward is a renowned neuroscientist and professor in the UK.
“When Dr. Scott Bailey first started the student-led research team, his goals were to prepare students with rigorous research skills and enrich the public's understanding of synesthesia,” says Williamson. “Now, years down the road, this publication is the culmination of his passion and perseverance, and I'm so glad that our work is finally shared with the world.”
While synesthesia has been linked to increased creativity in the visual arts, Williamson and her fellow authors set out to show, for the first time, that it is far more prevalent in musicians than non-musicians. Their research not only showed that the ability to see music is connected to increased creativity in the sphere of music, but also “that the cognitive profile of synaesthetes is conducive to musicality.”
“The article will continue to inform our ongoing research on synesthesia in the ̽ fNIRS lab,” says ̽ professor of psychology Dr. Beth Woods. “I know Scott would be incredibly proud of Linden and thrilled to know that their work has contributed to improving our understanding of synesthesia. I wish he could be here in person for this momentous achievement, but I know he is looking on fondly and celebrating by rocking out to his favorite music. Linden's paper is such a gift to us all, and a wonderful tribute to Scott's legacy.”
“Like so many in the ̽ community, my life was changed for the better by knowing Dr. Bailey,” Williamson adds. “His mentorship sparked my love for research and enabled invaluable early-career leadership opportunities for me in lab management, putting me on the path towards success as a freshman. As a young scientist, sharing my first publication authorship with Dr. Bailey affirms his indelible influence on not only my career, but who I am as a person. I believe that his legacy lives on in the scientific literature but more so through the happiness and success of his students and colleagues.”
To read Williamson’s article, click here: