I got my bachelor's degree (psychology) at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Then, I earned my PhD at the University of Sussex, where I was supervised by Professor John Drury. Currently, I am the Director of the Institute of Social Sciences of the University of O'Higgins.

Main line of research: 

My research focuses on how perceptions of the political context can predict non-participants' support for confrontational collective action (i.e., protest violence) against the police.  In particular, I am interested in exploring people's thoughts on authorities' measures regarding protests and their impact on non-participants' role in the (de)escalation of conflicts between protesters and the police. My research also sheds light on how people may hold contradictory ideas about the legitimacy of confrontational collective action, the role of media coverage of protests, and non-participants' solidarity with those who have to face repressive measures in the streets. To address these topics, I have conducted survey-based studies, experiments, and interviews in the UK, Chile, and Germany.

Other research interests: 

- Explore the socio-psychological factors that might increase or reduce feelings of loneliness among emerging adults (e.g., university students).

- Analyse people's perceptions of authorities' response to disasters and their effect on collective behaviour.