Motivational Monday: PhD Student

A Psychology PhD student is exploring how technology and AI influence the way we think and form beliefs.

After leaving South Hampstead in 2021, Sonja Belkin went on to study Psychology and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics (LSE), where she is currently pursuing a PhD. Her research explores how user psychology, recommender systems, and AI-generated content interact to drive belief polarisation in online environments, and how emerging technologies such as large language models may challenge epistemic security. Her work sits at the intersection of cognitive psychology, technology, and security, with a focus on building more resilient information ecosystems.

Before beginning her PhD, Sonja completed an MPhil in Psychology at the University of Cambridge. Alongside her undergraduate studies, she served as President of LSE’s Behavioural and Psychological Science Society, co-launching the UK’s first inter-university Behavioural Science Careers Fair and co-founding Irrationale, LSE’s student psychology journal. In 2024, she was awarded Best Performance in Programme for LSE’s BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science.

Reflecting on her time at South Hampstead, Sonja fondly remembers being involved with the school magazine, The Penguin, and the intensity and excitement of attending Debating Club in Sixth Form, supported by Dr Etheridge and Mr Hepburn. She credits the Psychology department – particularly Miss Waghorn – for inspiring her love of the subject through engaging and enthusiastic teaching.

Sonja’s advice for current students: “If there is someone you look up to, just get in touch with them. Don’t be scared to tell them that you find their work interesting… always be open to mentorship opportunities; you never know where they might lead.”

Earlier this week, Sonja returned to South Hampstead to speak to our Sixth Form students about her career journey and the wide range of opportunities within Psychology. The girls thoroughly enjoyed hearing about her experiences and found her insights both inspiring and informative.

If you are a former South Hampstead pupil and would like to come and speak to our students about your career journey, we would love to hear from you; please contact us at: alumnae@shhs.gdst.net