Sandra Waxman

Sandra Waxman is a Professor of Cognitive Psychology and holds the Louis W. Menk Chair in Psychology at Northwestern University. She is an IPR Fellow, leading research at the intersection of developmental science, cognitive psychology, and cultural studies. Her work focuses on how infants and young children acquire language and conceptual knowledge across linguistic and cultural contexts. She directs the Infant and Child Development Center, exploring cross-linguistic development in languages like English, Mandarin, and Spanish, as well as cultural influences on understanding human-nature relationships.

Her research bridges disciplines, emphasizing the interplay between language and cognition. Collaborations include projects with Native American communities and Argentina’s CONICET. Waxman’s studies reveal how early language shapes cognitive development and how cultural frameworks influence children’s reasoning about the natural world. She also investigates how infants integrate sensory and linguistic information to form concepts, with implications for education and policy.

Waxman’s contributions span over 200 publications, addressing topics like infant categorization, bilingualism, and the role of context in learning. Her work underscores the universality and diversity of developmental processes, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches to understand childhood cognition. She actively engages with policymakers through IPR, translating research into strategies that support early childhood development.