Jayanthi Mistry

Jayanthi Mistry is a Professor and Interim Associate Dean of Student Diversity, Inclusion, & Success in the Schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering at Tufts University. She holds a PhD in Child Development from Purdue University and has extensive experience in applied developmental and cultural psychology. Her research focuses on narratives of identity, cultural integration, and equity, particularly among ethnic minority and immigrant communities. She co-leads the RISE Project, developing culturally sustaining early childhood curricula, and collaborates with the City Lights Writing Collaborative to empower youth through storytelling.

• Education: PhD (Child Development, Purdue, 1983), MSc (Child Development, University of Baroda, 1975), BSc (Home Economics, Punjab Agricultural University, 1973)

Her research interests include narrative analysis, identity development, and addressing systemic inequities in education and healthcare. She co-founded the Tufts Interdisciplinary Evaluation Research (TIER) group, which evaluates policies and programs affecting children and families. Her work emphasizes community partnerships and actionable research for social justice.

Recent articles highlight her focus on early childhood STEM education, immigrant caregiver narratives, and racial identity’s impact on health outcomes. Mistry’s projects bridge academic and community settings, aiming to create inclusive policies and curricula rooted in cultural context.