Zachary W. Petzel is a lecturer at Newcastle University whose research focuses on contextual factors which influence health and behavior. Their recent work focuses on how social stressors promote alcohol consumption, how intoxication affects our motivations for self-control, how limitations in mental imagery (e.g., aphantasia) affect conceptualization of our identity, and the impact of AI-generated prejudices on our trustworthiness of emerging technologies (e.g., ChatGPT).
Their research uses neuroscience methodologies (e.g., EEG, ECG, ICG, EDA) and virtual reality to best understand the world around us, informing the development of clinically-relevant interventions to promote healthier lives.
Anna Yiannakou-Hawkins is a final year undergraduate Psychology student at Newcastle University with an interest in gender, politics and discrimination. She has previously worked with Cornell University, measuring the success of chatbots (GPT-14) in conversing with the American public about contentious topics – notably, transgender identities and whether Trump voters value his actions over the US constitution. Currently, she is working with Zach to measure the effect of perspective-taking using virtual reality on external and internalised transphobia.
Emily David is currently studying for an MRes in Neuroscience at Newcastle University. They have a background in Psychology and a particular research interest in mental health and neurodivergence. Their current research uses EEG to compare imagery-based and non-imagery interventions in reducing self-discrepancy, as well as examining the role that mental visualisation ability (i.e., aphantasia) affects these discrepancies.
Lauren Roberts is a final-year Psychology undergraduate and research assistant. She has an interest in neuroscience and physiological responses to environmental changes. Currently, she is involved in data collection for studies exploring attitudes toward transgender people, as well as the effects of public speaking on physiology and compulsive behaviours.
Ashleigh Sellars is a final-year undergraduate Psychology student at Newcastle University, with research interests in stress, anxiety, compulsive behaviours, and neurodivergence. Her dissertation investigates how stress and anxiety affect compulsive behaviours, using methods such as EEG, ICG, and ECG to examine physiological and cognitive responses. Alongside her studies, she volunteers as a peer mentor, supporting a neurodivergent child to develop confidence and achieve personal goals, and participates in Newcastle University’s Science Adventures program to inspire young people in science.