Psychology Professor Judy DeLoache Named Fellow by the AAAS

Nov. 23, 2006 -- Judy S. DeLoache, the Kenan Professor of Psychology, has been awarded the distinction of Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Election as a fellow is an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers.

DeLoache was selected for her “insights into the development of children’s memory, representation and use of symbols.” As lab director at U.Va.’s Child Study Center, DeLoache’s area of research is early cognitive development, focusing on the origins of children’s understanding of symbolic artifacts, such as pictures, models and replica objects.

“I have found early symbolic development to be a fascinating area in which to do research,” she says. “Often, I have found results that surprise and intrigue not only me, but other researchers and parents. This and other research that I and my students and colleagues have conducted is leading to a richer picture of how very young children start the process of becoming symbol minded.”

This year 449 members of AAAS have been named Fellows in honor of their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. DeLoach is one of only seven Fellows named this year in the field of psychology. Their names were announced in the November 24 issue of the journal Science, which is published by AAAS. The new fellows will be presented with a certificate and a rosette pin next February at the annual meeting of the association in San Francisco.

The tradition of AAAS Fellows began in 1874 and is regarded as a prestigious distinction among scientists. AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and includes 262 affiliated societies and academies of science serving 10 million individuals.

To learn more about DeLoache's research, visit the U.Va. Child Study Center Web site.

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