Melissa Libertus is Full Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, where she directs the Kids' Thinking Lab. She holds a PhD from Duke University and specializes in cognitive development, particularly the emergence of mathematical abilities in early childhood. Education: PhD in Psychology from Duke University Her research examines how children develop numerical and mathematical skills, with focus on the home learning environment, parent-child interactions, and individual differences in learning trajectories. Current projects investigate how spatial language exposure influences math development and how home activities shape emerging numeracy skills. Publications explore cognitive mechanisms underlying mathematical skill acquisition, with recent emphasis on longitudinal studies of home learning environments, cross-cultural comparisons of numeracy development, and interventions to support early math skills. Scientific Awards: International Mind Brain and Education Society Early Career Award (2014) Developmental Science Early Career Research Prize (2011) George H. Hitchings New Investigator Award (2006-2007) She leads the Kids' Thinking Lab which investigates cognitive development through behavioral experiments and observational studies with children and families.











