معرفی
Melanie Flory is a psychologist and neuroscientist leading research and innovation at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design (HHCD) at the Royal College of Art (RCA). She serves as the first Associate Director of Research, driving inclusive design methodologies and creative leadership programs. Her role includes developing HHCD’s doctoral and Master's research programs and co-leading initiatives like the creative leadership project integrating neuroscience insights. Previously, she founded MindRheo, a consultancy applying neuroscience and systems thinking to organizational performance. Before that, she held senior academic and clinical roles at Westminster University, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the Trauma Response Unit, focusing on PTSD and brain plasticity in emotion regulation. Her research bridges design, cognitive neuroscience, and systems thinking, with key interests in emotion-cognition interplay and cross-disciplinary innovation.
Education & Professional Background
- Director of MindRheo (2009–present)
- Senior academic and research leadership roles (2000–2011) at Westminster University, MoD, and UK Trauma Response Unit
- Global research on war-related PTSD and emotion regulation mechanisms
Key Research & Contributions
Flory’s work emphasizes:
- Inclusive design methods in cross-disciplinary projects
- Neuroscience-driven creative leadership frameworks
- STEM-to-STEAM educational transitions
- Applications of emotion connectomics in design
Her publications explore intersections between design and neuroscience, with recent focus on leadership transformation through interdisciplinary approaches.
Awards & Recognition
No explicit scientific awards listed, though her role at HHCD and MindRheo reflects industry and academic influence.
Grants & Collaborations
- Custom executive education for Northumbrian Water Group
- Collaborations with RCA Schools and Research Centres
- International research networks in emotion neuroscience and design
Labs & Teams
Maintains a team at HHCD focused on creative leadership and inclusive design, and leads MindRheo’s organizational development projects.
