Public Presentation-Marjorie Prokosch, Ph.D. Faculty Candidate-Psychology Dept.

Candidate for a faculty position in the Department of Psychology
Marjorie Prokosch, Ph.D.
Florida Institute of Built Environment Resilience (FIBER)
University of Florida

Caution in the time of Cholera: How infection threats and immune activity calibrate decision-making

Pathogens have historically posed and continue to pose major threats to human survival and well-being. Given the costs of infections, humans have mounted a variety of adaptations to offset these threats, like a robust physical immune system that detects and destroys infectious agents. Recently, researchers have proposed that we also possess a behavioral immune system – psychological mechanisms that help us to avoid and combat infection. My work falls at the intersection of social, health, and biological psychology, exploring how infection threats and motivation to avoid diseases shift decision-making. In this talk, I will discuss projects examining risk perception, temporal focus, and the interplay between behavioral and physical immune function. Free and open to the public.

Interpreters provided upon request & subject to availability. To request interpreting services, go to MyAccess.rit.edu.