L.A. (Lionel) Newman

I conduct experimental research on how we make sense of the intentions and beliefs of others in a way that allows us to coordinate our actions. The goal of my project is to identify neurocognitive processes that modulate the strength of inter-brain synchrony, and assess the role these processes play in social coordination. This research is important because, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, these findings could provide an intervention for improving social cooperation in collaborative team settings where joint decision-making requires balancing one's own intentions and beliefs with those of others. In addition, the final year of the project will involve collaboration with robotics researchers to model the mechanisms responsible for cooperation, working towards social machines that cooperate effectively.