My research background is in how the social experiences of individuals are served by social cognitive functions and grounded in the brain’s modality-specific networks. Initially, I explored these links amongst individuals with “impaired” social skills, using various experimental research techniques, including behavioural measures (accuracy and reaction time), eye-tracking and EEG/ERPs. My PhD research focused more specifically on the embodied cognition of language comprehension and communication, before exploring how other aspects of social interaction are underpinned by cognitive functions (e.g., language ability, imitation, executive functions, etc.).
More recently, my research interests have widened to the role of societal-level factors on social interaction and behaviour. I am particularly interested in the impact of broader social-political and economic dynamics, such as armed conflict, on behavioural outcomes. For instance, I have studied the impact of armed conflict in Libya on citizens’ perceptions of the Covid-19 pandemic and the role of coping strategies (e.g., coping self-efficacy and social support). My research continues to explore these latter themes.
My first degree was a BSc in Psychology from the University of Kent, where I stayed to complete an MSc in Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology and my PhD in Cognitive Psychology. Since then, I have lectured psychology and research methods to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
I now teach as an Assistant Professorial Lecturer in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at LSE, on various courses including behavioural science, research methods and biological and developmental psychology.