Hiro started as a lecturer in the department just a month ago. We caught up with him to get to know him better and find out what he has planned for the new term.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am Hiro and I am a social psychologist.

I finished my PhD at the University of Kent in 2022 and spent one year at the Kochi University of Technology in Japan (my country) as a postdoctoral fellow. Since this September, I've been working at Royal Holloway as a lecturer. 

What drew you to the Psychology Department at Royal Holloway?

I have been collaborating with people at Royal Holloway since I was a PhD student at the University of Kent and I already knew several people working at Royal Holloway. They all told me that the department was super friendly and this is one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to make a move to Royal Holloway. After spending the first month here, I can confirm that what they told me is true.

Your role at Royal Holloway

I contribute equally to teaching and research in the department. I convene PS5202 (intergroup and interpersonal processes) and deliver a couple of lectures for PS3090 (Social psychology in the real world). My lectures cover topics such as intergroup cooperation and aggression, social categorization, gossip, and pro-environmental behaviour.

I am a webmaster for the department, so yes, I am interviewing myself.

What is your research area and current projects?

Broadly speaking, I am interested in understanding how reputation shapes human pro- and anti-social behaviour especially in intergroup contexts. With my current projects, I am investigating the psychological and ecological underpinnings of intergroup cooperation and aggression. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I play jazz trumpet and I enjoy going to jam sessions and playing in a big band.You may have a chance to see me playing jazz around the campus!