Jennifer Jipson

Jennifer Jipson is a Professor in the Department of Child Development at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), within the College of Liberal Arts. Her work focuses on young children’s understanding of science, health, and technology through informal learning environments such as museums, zoos, and virtual spaces. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Developmental Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and Government from Smith College.

Her research emphasizes how parent-child interactions in everyday settings shape early cognitive development. Notable grants include the NSF-funded 'My Sky Tonight: Early Childhood Pathways to Astronomy' ($2.5M) and a role as Senior Researcher in the NSF Robotics Initiative project on automated kitchens. She received the Richard K. Simon Teaching Award (2012-13) for her pedagogical excellence.

Dr. Jipson advises on educational content for organizations like The Goddard Schools, Nickelodeon, and Fisher-Price, while maintaining consulting roles with museums and infant development brands. Her publications bridge cognitive theory and practical educational strategies, particularly in fostering curiosity about STEM topics in early childhood.