Lori Markson

Lori Markson is a Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, serving as Faculty Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and a Faculty Development Fellow in the Provost’s Office. She holds a PhD from the University of Arizona, an MS from New Mexico State University, and a BA from Arizona State University. Her research focuses on social cognitive development, particularly how children learn from others and form social categories, guided by a social justice framework to ensure equitable outcomes for all children.

Her key research areas include the impact of racial socialization practices on children’s racial cognition, development of trust in diverse contexts, skin color inheritance concepts, and effects of segregation on child cognition. She directs the Cognition & Development Lab, collaborating with diverse communities to advance inclusive developmental science. Recent work examines how systemic racism influences children’s perceptions of fairness and equity.

Her publications highlight themes in social motivation, risk-taking behaviors, and early developmental markers for neurodevelopmental conditions. She advocates for equitable educational practices and faculty development initiatives. The lab’s community-focused approach ensures research benefits underrepresented groups, aligning with her vision of generalizable and equitable science.