Dr Jenny Murphy joined the department in April 2020 as a lecturer. Welcome Jenny! Here we find out more about her research and other interests.

Jenny Murphy

What made you choose Psychology at Royal Holloway?

Psychology at Royal Holloway really ticked every box for me! The department has a fantastic reputation for both teaching and research and is one of the best-equipped psychology departments in the UK. My research areas (interoception and social perception) are also in line with current work being conducted by members of the department, which provides ample opportunity for exciting collaborations. Above all, however, Psychology at Royal Holloway has a reputation as one of the most supportive and friendliest places to work which greatly appealed to me.

Can you tell us a little about the research you will carry out at RHUL?

Most of my research is concerned with interoception, the perception of the body’s internal state, and its relevance to health and disease. My current focus is on the measurement, developmental trajectory and correlates of interoceptive abilities. However, I am particularly interested in sex differences in interoceptive abilities, including how these sex differences emerge across development and whether sex differences in interoception relate to sex differences in mental and physical health.

What do you think will be the best part about teaching our students?

For me, the greatest joy of teaching is the opportunity to foster curiosity, facilitate discovery, and hopefully inspire a love of psychology. I always welcome motivated students, so if you have a burning research question you’d like to answer or you’re looking to gain some research experience, please get in touch!    

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work you’ll likely find me in one of three places: working out at the gym, binge watching movies on the sofa, or sat at my laptop planning my next trip to some exotic location!