I study the relationship between aesthetics, complex emotions, and prosocial behavior across ages and cultures.

I am fascinated by how much of human behavior is motivated by aesthetic beauty, be it formal art forms (like music and art) or everyday experiences with beauty (like with nature, food, and fashion). I believe that aesthetic engagement can uniquely elicit self-transcendent emotions like being moved, awe, and compassion, which foster deep social connection and contribute to life’s meaningfulness.