Stephanie Carlson

Stephanie M. Carlson, PhD is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota. As a developmental psychologist and internationally recognized leader in the measurement of executive function, she researches how to promote the healthy development of these skills.

Carlson’s studies have been featured in several media outlets, including Time, Newsweek, New York Times Magazine, the Times (UK), Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and National Public Radio. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Psychological Science (APS) and was selected for the 2022 Mary Ainsworth Award for Excellence in Developmental Science from the APA. She also was nominated as a favorite professor by undergraduates and is frequently invited to speak at national and international events, including TEDx Minneapolis.

She earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Bucknell University and doctor of philosophy degree in experimental psychology from the University of Oregon.