Olga Sutskova

Olga Sutskova is a Research Fellow at University College London (UCL), affiliated with the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at Birkbeck, University of London. Her work focuses on the cognitive and behavioral impacts of interactive environments, including virtual reality (VR) and AI-mediated social interactions. Supervised by Professors Tim J Smith (Birkbeck) and Atsushi Senju (Hamamatsu University), her research explores how beliefs about virtual companions and self-disclosure influence cognition in remote and immersive settings, with applications to wellbeing-focused technologies.

Education:

• PhD in Cognitive Development (2018–2022), Birkbeck
• MSc Educational Neuroscience (Distinction), Birkbeck & UCL Institute of Education (2017–2018)
• BSc Psychology (First Class), Birkbeck College (2013–2017)

Research interests span neurotypical adult cognition, social anxiety, and autistic traits in virtual environments. Her work addresses 'Zoom Fatigue' and designs inclusive technologies to enhance social interaction quality. Recent studies investigate neural mechanisms underlying social presence in VR and remote education.

Awards:

• 2022 JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
• 2021 Wellcome ISSF Dissemination Grant
• 2017 UBEL-DTP Doctoral Studentship
• 2017 Elaine Gladstone Prize (BSc Excellence)

Grants include funding for clinical population studies expanding her PhD work. She has presented at venues like The Royal Society and co-organized the CBCD Seminar Series (2020–2021).