Shannon Wright

Dr. Shannon Wright is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), joining in January 2024. Her work uniquely bridges cognitive psychology with music, exploring how movement and motor systems influence emotional responses to music. At UFV's College of Arts, she teaches courses like Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, and Introduction to Music Psychology, emphasizing critical thinking and interdisciplinary connections.

• Research Focus: Merges cognitive psychology, music perception, and emotion, with roots in her Honours project on movement's role in musical emotional responses.
• Teaching Philosophy: Prioritizes skills like critical thinking, close reading, and complex idea discussion to prepare students for diverse futures.

Dr. Wright's background in dance and figure skating informs her scholarly interest in motor systems and cognition. She aims to inspire students to "think slowly and deeply" while connecting scientific rigor with artistic expression.