Michelle Hurst

Michelle Hurst is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, located on the Busch Campus. Her research focuses on systematic variation in human cognition across development, particularly in mathematical and numerical reasoning. She explores how cognitive strategies evolve from infancy through adulthood, with a focus on proportional reasoning challenges in older learners versus intuitive skills in young children. Her lab employs behavioral experiments, computational models, and developmental perspectives to advance cognitive theories and improve educational practices. They emphasize open science principles, including pre-registration and data sharing, supported by funding from the NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Key research interests include the development of numerical understanding, the transition from informal intuitions to formal math skills, and contextual influences on reasoning strategies. Her work bridges cognitive science and education to address barriers in learning complex mathematical concepts like fractions and decimals. The lab fosters an inclusive environment, prioritizing diversity and accessibility in both research and practice.

Recent publications highlight investigations into proportional reasoning strategies, cross-notation knowledge of fractions/decimals, and contextual effects on quantitative judgments. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates developmental psychology, experimental methods, and educational theory to tackle foundational questions in cognitive science and STEM education policy.