Kimberly Noble

Kimberly Noble, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She directs the Neurocognition, Early Experience and Development (NEED) Lab and the Developmental Psychology Program. Her research explores how socioeconomic inequality affects children's cognitive, emotional, and brain development, with a focus on early intervention strategies.

• Education: BA, PhD in Neuroscience, and MD from the University of Pennsylvania
• Training: Residency in Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center

Her work spans neuroscience, developmental psychology, and public policy, including the landmark Baby's First Years study—a randomized trial assessing how monthly cash transfers to low-income families impact infant brain development. She also investigates maternal stress, language input, and structural brain differences in children from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.

Recent publications highlight cash transfers, epigenetic aging, sleep quality, and parental investments in early childhood. Her research has garnered global attention, including features in Scientific American, The Economist, and a widely viewed TED Talk (2 million+ views).

Scientific Awards

• 2021 American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest
• 2017 APS Janet Taylor Spence Award
• Fellow, Association for Psychological Science
• Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

Dr. Noble has secured substantial funding from NIH, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and multiple foundations to advance her research on poverty and child development.