Natasha Cabrera

Natasha Cabrera, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology at the University of Maryland, College Park, and Director of the Family Involvement Laboratory. She holds an affiliation with the Maryland Population Research Center (MPRC). Her research focuses on parenting behaviors, particularly father involvement, children’s social and cognitive development, and cultural variations in parenting across ethnic groups. She has extensive experience in policy and methodology, including developing initiatives like the Developing a Daddy Survey (DADS) while at NICHD.

Dr. Cabrera earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Denver (1994), an M.A. in Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto (1989), and a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Toronto (1985). Her work has been funded by NICHD and has led to co-edited volumes like the Handbook of Father Involvement and Latina/o Child Psychology and Mental Health.

Her scientific contributions include awards such as the National Council on Family Relations Award for Best Research Article. She serves as Associate Editor of Child Development and Early Childhood Research Quarterly. Her lab, the Family Involvement Laboratory, explores family processes and their impact on child outcomes, emphasizing equity and culturally responsive practices.