Chiara Gasteiger

Chiara Gasteiger is a SPARQ Postdoctoral Scholar in the Mind & Body Lab at Stanford University, led by Associate Professor Alia Crum. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Auckland (2023) and a Master of Health Psychology (2019). Her research focuses on how social environments shape health mindsets, patient-practitioner communication, and the psychological factors influencing health outcomes. She investigates how psycho-social forces can optimize patient expectations and improve adherence to treatments like biosimilars. Her work spans clinical trials, patient experience studies, and healthcare policy evaluations.

• Education: PhD & MSc from University of Auckland
• Key Areas: Biosimilar transitions, nocebo/placebo effects, chronic illness management

Her research highlights the role of communication strategies in healthcare transitions and the impact of social support on patient wellbeing. Current projects include studies on vaccination side effects and the employment challenges faced by gout patients. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to bridge behavioral science and medical practice.