Sandra Pellizzoni

Sandra Pellizzoni is a Researcher (RTD-B) at the University of Trieste's Department of Life Sciences, where she has been employed since December 1, 2017. She is a key member of the Evolutionarily LAB directed by Professor Maria Chiara Passolunghi, focusing on developmental and educational psychology with particular emphasis on mathematical cognition. Dr. Pellizzoni serves as Scientific Manager for multiple research projects including 'Cognitive & emotional pathways to hidden STEM' and the 'INCLUSIV_ABILITIES' initiative supporting children with disabilities in Iraq.

Her primary research interests center around three interconnected domains: (1) the relationship between mathematical learning and cognitive factors (working memory, executive functions, attention) alongside emotional aspects (math anxiety, self-esteem, general anxiety); (2) developmental processes in children with complex surgical pathways (sensory deprivations, prenatal malformations, urogenital malformations), conducted in collaboration with the IRCCS Burlo Garofolo of Trieste; and (3) learning processes in highly deprived contexts, particularly war zones, through international cooperation projects primarily in the Middle East. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to understanding both typical and atypical development across the lifespan.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on math anxiety, executive functions, and mathematical cognition across diverse populations including preschoolers, middle school students, university students with learning disabilities, and children in war-torn regions like Yazidi genocide survivors. Her research employs both longitudinal and intervention approaches, often examining the interplay between cognitive and emotional factors in mathematical achievement. Recent work has increasingly incorporated cross-cultural perspectives, particularly regarding educational challenges in conflict zones.

Dr. Pellizzoni leads significant research initiatives funded by the European Union (NextGenerationEU) and the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Her project 'Cognitive & emotional pathways to hidden STEM' investigates factors influencing higher educational choices in STEM fields, while 'INCLUSIV_ABILITIES' provides training and support for inclusion and autonomy paths for children with disabilities in Iraq. She also collaborates extensively with international partners on projects addressing learning in highly deprived contexts.

Within the academic community, Dr. Pellizzoni serves as a member of multiple doctoral colleges and committees, including the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Doctoral College (cycles XXXIV-XXXIX). She is actively involved in advising PhD students and contributing to the academic administration of her department, serving on various committees related to course of study recommendations and research commission.