The research
Santo Tripodi is a doctoral candidate in psychology and philosophy, supported by the Australian Government Research Training Programme — a competitive national scholarship.
Awe, embodiment and the nervous system
Santo's research focuses on how everyday experiences of awe, embodiment, and nervous-system regulation shape psychological wellbeing. In plain terms: what actually changes in us when we slow down, look up, breathe deeply, or feel connected to something larger than ourselves — and how can practitioners design programmes that make those shifts last in everyday life.
The research sits at the intersection of positive psychology, philosophy of mind, and applied wellness practice. It draws on the literature of attention, the autonomic nervous system (particularly polyvagal theory), and the psychological mechanisms that support long-term flourishing.
Why this work matters
Most wellness work today is structured around stress reduction. The body of research on positive emotional experiences — and awe in particular — suggests that cultivating awe and wonder produces psychological benefits that go beyond simply lowering stress: stronger sense of meaning, greater pro-social behaviour, more flexible attention, and changes in how we perceive time.
For practitioners, this changes how a retreat or workshop is designed. Rather than helping people "manage" their nervous systems, the work is to design experiences where awe, presence and connection arise naturally — and where participants leave with the literacy to invite those experiences again on their own.
About the Australian Government RTP
The Research Training Programme (RTP) is the Australian Government's primary mechanism for funding doctoral research. It is competitive nationally, awarded on academic merit to a small percentage of doctoral applicants. It funds tuition and provides a stipend for the duration of the doctoral candidature.
Speaking & collaboration
Santo speaks on the science of awe, the nervous system, and applied wellbeing for audiences ranging from corporate teams to wellness practitioners. He also collaborates with practitioners and organisations designing programmes informed by the research.
For speaking enquiries and research collaboration, email mail@uncldmind.com.