My name is Sam Ayele. I am an Ethiopian-born, California-raised cognitive scientist currently working in Lucca, Italy. I am a Ph.D. candidate in cognitive, computational, and social neuroscience at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca.

My current research is on the intersection of psychology, aesthetics, and digital culture. I explore the cognitive, emotional, and social mechanisms behind internet meme production and consumption.

I am the founder of the International Student Union at IMT Lucca, a student representative in multiple committees, and an advocate of equity in academia. Outside of academia, I love to lift weights, run, travel, and blog.

If you want to reach out to me, please feel free to do so using the Contact Me form.