Jenny Wang

Jenny Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and a member of the Center for Cognitive Science (RuCCS) at Rutgers University – New Brunswick. She directs the Cognition and Learning Center (CALC), focusing on understanding how infants and children develop cognitive skills, particularly numerical and mathematical abilities. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, exploring topics such as the role of language, social interaction, and curiosity in learning.

Dr. Wang earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. She is dedicated to mentorship, fostering a supportive environment for undergraduate and graduate students to develop research skills. Her lab has been recognized for its contributions to undergraduate education, including a 2024 award for Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Education from the School of Arts and Sciences.

Research interests include numerical cognition, developmental psychology, and the intersection of cognitive development with social and cultural factors. Recent studies investigate how infants recognize counting patterns, the influence of reward probability on task engagement, and cross-cultural beliefs about cognitive origins. She collaborates with faculty in cognitive science and psychology, contributing to the broader Rutgers research community.

Key achievements include featuring in outlets like the Washington Post and BBC, co-hosting the It’s Innate podcast, and mentoring students who have pursued advanced degrees at institutions like Boston University and Temple University. The lab actively supports students through programs such as Aresty, LSAMP, and RISE.