ÌÇÐÄVlog

We study how people build and maintain trust: in each other and in communities. Our work explores how communication styles can signal autonomy, control, safety and openness, or signal critique and disappointment.

Staff and student researchers are studying how these signals influence cooperation, trust, and conflict resolution.

Our research shows that soft, interested-sounding voices can help people feel more comfortable, connected, and willing to open up.

In health and education settings, a warm voice may signal that someone is listening and present, ultimately building stronger relationships.

We also study how facial expression and muscle activity support emotional understanding, how emotional contagion operates, and how we can have more satisfying interactions.

Our research challenges outdated stereotypes by showing that fathers are just as vital to caregiving as mothers. From changes in brain structure linked to parenting involvement, to the beliefs dads hold about their caregiving roles, we explore how fatherhood supports children’s emotional development and wellbeing.

This work highlights that children benefit when caregiving is shared, responsive, and inclusive regardless of gender.

We aim to improve communication across varied populations. This includes:

• investigating which conditions support hard of hearing individuals,
• how voice can serve as a social and biological signal (or even a biomarker), and
• how we can better support neurodivergent individuals in their daily lives.

Our goal is to promote understanding across all forms of difference: sensory, cognitive, and emotional.

We examine how to improve the quality of life where issues like boredom and sensory deprivation or overstimulation can affect well-being.

From exploring how blue environments such as coasts or seas help us feel better to making environments more stimulating and tailoring support for people with specific needs, we look for practical ways to support everyday wellbeing.