Sandra Garrido

Dr. Sandra Garrido is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney. She previously spent 10 years in research at the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour & Development at Western Sydney University. She has a background in both psychology and music and has been the recipient of an NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Fellowship in 2016 and the Western Sydney University Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research in 2017.

Her work focuses on translational research involving arts for mental health and wellbeing, in particular with people with dementia and depression. Dr. Garrido’s research has led to the co-design of a set of evidence-based guidelines and an online training course for aged care staff available at https://www.musicfordementia.com.au. Dr Garrido has also developed an evidence-based tool for young people - MoodyTunes – a music based smartphone app for mental health, with support from Mental Health Commission of NSW. She has authored over 90 academic publications including two books entitled Why We Are Attracted to Sad Music? (2017) and Music and Dementia: Theory and Implications for Music Use in Dementia Care (2025).