About Me

I am a Ph.D. student in Psychology at the University of Bologna, specializing in social and political psychology. My research examines how intergroup relations, prejudice, discrimination, and collective action shape social change.

Across my academic and applied work, I use psychological theory and quantitative methods to study how people understand group differences, respond to inequality, and engage with social issues. I am especially interested in connecting rigorous research with practical insight for education, counseling, and applied behavioral contexts.

Education & Academic Appointments

Languages

Academic Research

My academic work is grounded in social psychological theory, empirical research, and quantitative analysis. I study intergroup relations, prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, tolerance, dehumanization, inter-minority contact, and engagement in social change.

Research Interests

Publications, Writing & Presentations

• Publication Fostering solidarity among disadvantaged groups: Exploring the role of inter-minority contact in cross-cultural contexts. Policardo, G. R., Prati, F., Cayir, B., Van Assche, J., & Rubini, M. (2025). International Review of Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.1096
• Publication The heaviness of advantaged members’ judgement: The role of meta-dehumanization and relative deprivation on ethnic minority members’ engagement to social change. Prati, F., Cayir, B., Van Assche, J., & Rubini, M. (2026). Journal of Applied Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.70056

Conference Presentations & Dissemination

• Poster Presentation Tolerance trap: How “goodwill” sedates resistance. Annual Convention of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Chicago, IL, United States, February 26–28, 2026.
• Summer School EASP Summer School 2025. European Association of Social Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom, July 20–30, 2025.
• Conference Presentation Bridging faiths: How multicultural experiences influence tolerance towards minority religious practices. Social Science Perspectives on Individuals, Cultures, and Institutions in the Mediterranean Region, Crete, Greece, April 6–8, 2025.

Psychological Counseling

I offer online, psychology-informed counseling-oriented sessions for individuals seeking clarity, support, and practical strategies for navigating personal, academic, and professional challenges.

My work is especially relevant for people dealing with stress, adjustment, uncertainty, life transitions, academic pressure, career-related concerns, and questions of identity or belonging.

I also work with immigrants, expats, and international students navigating life abroad, cultural transition, loneliness, adaptation, and the emotional complexity of moving between countries, communities, and education systems.

To inquire about an online session, please reach out via email. (I aim to respond to booking inquiries within 8 hours.)

Possible Session Themes

Educational Services

I provide educational consulting for international students who are exploring degree programs abroad. Drawing on my experience in international student recruitment, higher education, and cross-cultural academic pathways, I help students make informed decisions about studying internationally.

This service is designed for students from around the world, including but not limited to students from Türkiye, who are considering undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral study abroad.

How I Can Help

• Program exploration: identifying degree programs, universities, and countries that fit the student’s goals, background, and budget.
• Application strategy: building a realistic application list and timeline for international admissions.
• Statement and CV guidance: helping students structure personal statements, motivation letters, academic CVs, and application materials.
• Academic pathway planning: discussing undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. routes, including transitions between education systems.
• Cross-cultural preparation: helping students understand expectations, adaptation challenges, and academic life abroad.

UX & Behavioral Research

I am developing an applied research direction in UX and behavioral research, building on my doctoral training in social psychology, survey design, quantitative analysis, field research, and human behavior.

My interest is in using psychological research skills to understand people’s needs, behaviors, decisions, and experiences in real-world products, services, institutions, and organizations.

Areas I Am Building Toward

Contact

For academic collaboration, psychological counseling inquiries, educational consulting, or applied behavioral and UX research opportunities, feel free to reach out.