Dr. Ryssa Moffat

Dr. Ryssa Moffat is a postdoctoral researcher in the Social Brain Sciences group. She holds a PhD in Cognitive Science, jointly awarded in 2022 by Macquarie University (Australia), and the Universities of Potsdam (Germany), Groningen (Netherland), and Newcastle upon Tyne (UK).

To gain a deeper understanding of social cognition, Ryssa uses non-​invasive brain imaging (fNIRS), motion capture, behavioural measures, and qualitative (interview-​based) methods. Her research addresses questions including:

How does alignment of behaviour and brain activity between people shape social interactions and social wellbeing?
Might intergenerational social interactions have lasting effects on social wellbeing?
To what extent do social interactions shape the aesthetic value we ascribe to actions and social scenes?
How can interactions with social robots and other non-​human agents shape our social experiences?

In her free time, Ryssa can be found open-​water swimming, figure skating or surfing.