Monia Cariola

Name : Monia Cariola, Research Assistant
Email : m.cariola@nin.knaw.nl

Project Description: My current project investigates how humans physiologically respond to vicarious pain. Using electrical stimulation to induce pain—calibrated to each participant’s tolerance—we examine multiple physiological measures to assess their sensitivity to observing others in pain. Our goal is to determine whether these measures are redundant or complementary in capturing the emotional and physiological impact of witnessing pain. These findings will be cross-examined with parallel research in rodents, providing a comparative perspective on the mechanisms underlying empathy for pain across species.

Fun Fact About Me: I love finding connections between science and everyday life—whether it’s understanding why we synchronize with our loved ones or why watching someone stub their toe makes us wince!