Ottavia Ollari
PhD Student
Contact details
Biography
Ottavia is currently a PhD researcher at King’s College London, having joined the institution in October 2024. She is funded my NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre. Her research focuses on sensory differences in autistic individuals, with a particular interest in how the psychedelic compound psilocybin may influence underlying sensory processing mechanisms. Her work sits at the intersection of clinical practice and neuroscience, aiming to develop more individualised approaches to better understand and support people experiencing sensory difficulties, and to explore how these challenges impact mental health outcomes across the lifespan.
She holds an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Trento (CIMeC), where she developed a strong foundation in brain and behaviour research. Her academic and clinical background together inform her current research direction, which emphasises translational applications from neuroscience to real-world mental health support.
Research Interests
- Sensory differences
- Autism
- Psychedelics
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Biomarkers
- Mental health
Research Groups
Teaching
Research Methods & Statistics
Expertise and Public Engagement
Ottavia actively engages in public outreach to ensure her research remains connected to real-world experiences and communities. She collaborates with Sensory Spectacle to implement initiatives that bring her into direct contact with parents of autistic children, creating opportunities to better understand how laboratory research on sensory differences translates into everyday life. These interactions also allow her to gather valuable feedback, helping to shape more meaningful and impactful research approaches. In addition, Ottavia regularly attends talks, workshops, and events organised by university societies, including the King's Psychedelic Society. Through these activities, she stays informed about broader discussions surrounding the use of psychedelic substances, particularly their impact at a community and societal level. Beyond academia, Ottavia integrates her scientific interests with creative practice. She enjoys producing art using EEG derived neural signals and participates in exhibitions and events in London and internationally. This interdisciplinary approach allows her to communicate neuroscience in accessible and engaging ways to diverse audiences.