Carla Abad

Carla Abad serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychology at Florida International University, specializing in developmental science with emphasis on environmental influences in early cognitive development.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Developmental Science, Florida International University
• MS in Developmental Science, Florida International University
• BA in Psychology, New College of Florida
• AA in Psychology, The Honors College at Miami Dade College

Dr. Abad's research examines how play and language exposure shape spatial skill acquisition in young children, bridging cognitive psychology and educational practice. Her work explores foundational learning mechanisms during critical developmental windows, with implications for early childhood pedagogy and cognitive enrichment programs.

Prior to her current faculty role, she contributed to academic development as POD Educational Development Intern at FIU's Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Assistant Director of FIU's Learning Assistant Program. She teaches Children's Learning, Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology I, and LA Seminar courses from office VH 160B, reachable at 305-348-7683.