Natalie H. Brito

Natalie H. Brito is an Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at New York University (NYU), affiliated with the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Her research focuses on how early social and cultural contexts shape neurocognitive development in infants and toddlers, particularly in areas of attention, memory, and socio-emotional skills. Prior to NYU, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center and was a Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholar.

Dr. Brito’s work bridges developmental psychology, neuroscience, and public policy, emphasizing the need for equitable environments that support healthy child development. She has received prestigious awards such as the APS Rising Star Award and NIH grants, reflecting her impactful contributions to understanding developmental trajectories.

Her research also extends to policy implications, such as the effects of paid maternal leave on infant brain function and the role of structural inequities in maternal mental health. Key themes include early life stress, gut microbiome influences, and the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive development.

Dr. Brito has published extensively in journals like Child Development, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, and JAMA Psychiatry, with a focus on innovative methodologies (e.g., the OWLET gaze-tracking tool). She teaches courses on developmental psychology and the principles of applied psychology, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to human development.

Her scientific accolades include recognition from the International Society of Developmental Psychobiology and the American Psychological Association, underscoring her leadership in advancing developmental science and equity-focused research.