معرفی
David Uttal is the Kenneth F. Burgess Professor of Psychology and Education at Northwestern University, with dual affiliations in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education and Social Policy. He directs the Spatial Thinking and Representations (STAR) Lab and serves as co-director of the Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center (SILC).
Dr. Uttal's research focuses on cognitive development with emphasis on spatial cognition, symbolic development, and mathematical thinking. His work explores how children learn in informal spaces, spatial assessment methodologies, and the relationship between spatial thinking and STEM learning. Key research areas include mental rotation, spatial language, cross-sectioning, and spatial assembly.
His lab conducts numerous ongoing studies including Smart Cubes (investigating block design strategies), Children's Mental Rotation Research Meta-Analysis, Spatial Activities surveys, and the 'Which Fish Fits?' matching game study for young children. He collaborates with institutions including the Chicago Children's Museum, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Chicago Public Schools.
Dr. Uttal supervises multiple graduate students across Cognitive Psychology and Learning Sciences programs and leads the Multidisciplinary Program in Education Sciences (MPLES). His research has significant implications for educational practice, particularly in developing spatial reasoning abilities that support STEM learning.
