My PhD work with Prof. Steve Reicher is primarily concerned with Theory of Mind. This elusive mechanism has been studied in various states of functionality but rarely in its 'normal' context: how we use it to make sense of the vast network of minds around us.

I combine approaches from comparative and social psychology to uncover social factors that influence the quotidian Theory of Mind. Group dynamics, power, and identity threat are some social factors that I experimentally manipulate. Using a variety of exploratory experiments, I will determine to what degree our awareness of other minds is contextually embedded, and, conversely, how some social situations are influenced by our usage (or lack thereof) of Theory of Mind. I hope, with my research, to be able to further our understanding of both the Theory of Mind mechanism itself as well as the social phenomena that have driven its evolution.