Heather Bachman

Heather Bachman, PhD, is a Professor of Health & Human Development and Associate Dean of Research at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Education. Her research focuses on early academic and social development, particularly in low-income families and children. She examines family and classroom processes, policy impacts, and home environments influencing math and spatial skills. Bachman leads federally funded projects, including the NSF-funded Parents Promoting Early Learning (PPEL) initiative and a longitudinal study on toddler math development. Her work integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, analyzing large datasets like the NICHD Study and ECLS-K cohorts.

Research interests include early math education, screen time effects, spatial talk, and socioeconomic disparities. Her recent studies explore how parental interactions and home environments shape child outcomes. Bachman collaborates with community organizations and uses mixed-methods approaches to bridge research and practice. She has been funded by NICHD, NSF, Spencer Foundation, and others.

Her grants include an NSF project launching in 2024 to follow toddler samples into elementary grades. While no explicit awards are listed, her extensive grants highlight her impactful contributions. Advising and grants emphasize policy-relevant research and community partnerships. She is affiliated with the Learning Research & Development Center (LRDC) and contributes to educational initiatives addressing early childhood equity.