Jamie J. Jirout

Jamie J. Jirout is an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on children's curiosity and question-asking, as well as spatial reasoning skills, with applications to STEM education and critical thinking development.

• PhD from Carnegie Mellon University (2011)
• B.A. from University of Miami (2005)

Her work on curiosity examines how uncertainty preferences influence learning motivation and educational outcomes, while her spatial reasoning research investigates how manipulative activities (e.g., blocks, puzzles) enhance STEM readiness and cognitive development. She directs the Research in Education and Learning Lab (REALLab) and collaborates with local schools and children's museums.

Jirout's publications span developmental psychology, education, and cognitive science, focusing on curiosity-enjoyment dynamics, STEM engagement, and contextual learning. Recent studies explore optimal uncertainty levels for curiosity, classroom curiosity suppression, and gendered toy perceptions.

• NSF CAREER Award recipient (2022)
• UVA Teaching Award

She has mentored students through the Virginia Education Science Training (VEST) Fellowship Program and leads projects integrating curiosity research with educational practice. Her lab offers research opportunities for families, educators, and students interested in child development.