Katherine O'Doherty

Katherine O'Doherty is an Associate Instructional Professor in the Department of Psychology and The College at the University of Chicago, where she has taught since 2015. Her courses include Social Cognitive Development, Child Development in the Classroom, and Developmental Psychology, as well as contributing to the College’s Mind series. She holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University.

Her research focuses on young children’s learning through social interactions, including direct engagement and indirect methods like overheard conversations. She investigates how media, such as video, influences learning, particularly through coviewing interventions and third-party interactions. Her work also explores symbolic media environments, dual representation theories, and challenges in transferring knowledge between manipulative tools and written solutions.

No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided materials. She has advised no students or mentored research teams in the documented information. Her contributions to education emphasize bridging developmental theory with classroom practices, reflecting her dual role as a researcher and educator.