About
I am a researcher originating from the US, Southern Kentucky, specialising in human cognition, behaviour, and cultural studies. I am passionate about exploring diverse cultures and understanding the many factors that make up the human experience!
In my research at the University of Cambridge, I take multidisciplinary approaches, intersecting the domains of Anthropology, Comparative Cognition, Psychology, Linguistics, and Human Behavioural Ecology, to investigate the dynamics of human cognition and behaviour.
During my undergraduate studies, I pursued a multidisciplinary education that spanned Indo-European Languages (both ancient and modern) and the Natural and Social Human Sciences.
I concluded my undergraduate studies with Arizona State University, where I earned a BA in Anthropology and graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2022.
I am a member of the Comparative Cognition Lab and am supervised by Professor Nicola S. Clayton FRS for my PhD.
I am also conducting an ongoing research project in collaboration with my previous MPhil supervisor in the Department of Archaeology, Dr. Nikhil Chaudhary.
I am a member of Selwyn College and actively engage in its community in my role as MCR President. I am also a proud Alumnus of Girton College, having been a member during the 2022-23 academic year when earning my MPhil.
At the University of Oxford, I am an Associate Member of both the Keble College MCR where I hold the role of Selwyn Exchange Office and the Balliol College MCR.
Honours
In May 2024, I was honoured by Kentucky State Governor Andy Beshear. I was issued with Letters Patent officially commissioning me as a Kentucky Colonel, recognizing me as Honorable, and granting me the title of Colonel in recognition of my academic achievement and service to various communities. Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honour bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Research
PhD Research
My current PhD research examines the relationship between linguistic structures and the perception of time, particularly focusing on Mental Time Travel (MTT) and Linguistic Relativity. This research investigates how variations in linguistic conceptualisations of time influence episodic memory accuracy, false memory production, cognitive representation of temporal information, and perceptions of future events.
I’m currently inviting online participants to take part in my PhD research at the University of Cambridge. If you’re interested in contributing to this fascinating project, please go to https://jrlp.me/participate-in-my-research/
MPhil Research
My previous research for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree explored how neighbourhood-level socio-ecological factors—including population density, ethnic diversity, and crime rates—influence psychological outcomes within large, multi-ethnic urban populations. Specifically, I studied the schizotypy continuum, which includes cognitive traits such as supernatural beliefs, eccentric behaviours, paranoia, and unusual perceptual experiences. This research bridges evolutionary psychology and clinical psychology, contributing to an understanding of cognitive diversity and its evolutionary significance. Although my formal MPhil studies are complete, I continue to develop this research.
Although I have finished the degree, this research project remains ongoing. I am working on compiling the data collected into articles to be submitted for publication.
Teaching
Supervisions for Lent Term 2024
B1: Humans in Biological Perspective
PBS6: Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology — What Causes Autism?
PBS10: Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience — Combining Clinical, Cognitive and Neurobiological Approaches to The Complex Symptoms of Mental Illness
Engagement and Collaboration
As an advocate for the advancement of knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration, I am committed to contributing to the academic discourse surrounding human cognition and behaviour. My research endeavours not only to push the boundaries of our current understanding but also to inform practical approaches in healthcare, urban development, and policy-making. I warmly welcome opportunities for collaboration and dialogue with fellow scholars, practitioners, and other individuals interested in exploring the multifaceted nature of human cognition and its implications for society.
