Our Faculty

Dr. J. Sophie von Lieres holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Leipzig, Germany. Her doctoral research examined the psychological consequences of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the coping strategies of survivors in Kerala, India. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cognitive Sciences and Psychology at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala, and serves as Head of Research for the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences. Dr. J. Sophie von Lieres teaches research methodology to postgraduate and doctoral students while supervising research projects focused on protective factors, such as social support and psychological coping strategies, that improve the mental health of vulnerable populations. Currently, her main research focus is neurodiversity and autism. Through cross-cultural studies, she is investigating protective factors that contribute to mental well-being and quality of life in the autistic population. Her research aims to inform community interventions that encourage autistic individuals to harness their unique strengths, develop a positive self-identity, and improve their mental health. Altogether, she seeks to foster autism acceptance and promote the neurodiversity perspective, which is especially crucial in the Global South, where deficit-based approaches predominate.