In this episode of SEE HEAR FEEL, host Christine welcomes Dr. Benno Torgler, a Professor of Economics at Queensland University of Technology. They discuss Dr. Torgler's fascinating journey from mechanical engineering to economics and his significant research on heart rate variability (HRV). The conversation delves deep into the integration of physiological measurements with psychological and emotional activities, providing insights on how HRV can be used to understand human behavior and stress. Dr. Torgler also shares personal anecdotes and offers practical advice for using wearable technology to monitor HRV.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Benno Torgler

01:09 A Personal Journey: From Engineering to Economics

03:54 Understanding Heart Rate Variability

08:21 Applications and Implications of Heart Rate Variability

12:01 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Dr. Benno Torgler, PhD is a Professor of Economics in the School of Economics and Finance as well as Director of the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption (BITA) in the Queensland University of Technology in Queensland, Australia. He is a social scientist that studies human decision making and human nature via integrating economics, social and evolutionary psychology, sociology, and biology. He has co-written an article titled, “Positive affect and heart rate variability: a dynamic analysis” which looks at physiologic measurements (for example, heart rate variability) and self-reported measures to better understand human behavior and interactions. His research is helpful in understanding how to collect such physiologic data like heart rate variability as well as how to model and interpret it.