Dr. Melissa Kibbe is an Associate Professor in Psychological & Brain Sciences. She received her PhD and Masters in Psychology from Rutgers University in 2011 and 2009, respectively. Prof. Kibbe’s research focuses on how infants, children, and adults represent information about objects (e.g. perceptual features, animacy, group statistics, numerosity, verbal labels). Prof. Kibbe’s lab also looks at the kinds of computations we can do with these representations, the ways in which we use these representations to guide behavior, and how cognitive systems (such as working memory, attention, social cognition, and decision-making) interact during complex tasks. This research relies on both behavioral methods and computational modeling of cognitive processes.
What made you decide to be a social scientist/ why does social science matter to you?
We understand everything about the world through the lens of our own psychological experience. To me, there is nothing more fundamental than trying to understand how our psychology shapes our understanding of the world, particularly in the very youngest humans.
Can you tell us about a recent research project that you’re excited about?
Recently, my lab has been working on how and when children develop an understanding of what is possible in the present and in the future. This can range from the physically possible (for example, can an object occupy two places at once?) to the socially possible (for example, will a person who has a particular trait when they are younger have the same trait when they are older?) This work is exciting to me, because it helps us understand how children think about the world in more abstract ways, beyond what is directly in front of them.
What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received?
The best professional advice I was given was to not worry about whether my research topics were trendy, but to just pursue the science I wanted to pursue. I have followed this advice, and I feel like it has made me more passionate about my work and more productive as a result.
What is your favorite course you’ve taught at BU?
I love teaching CAS PS 222 – Perception. Many students come into my class thinking that “science” is not for them, and they worry about taking a course with a neuroscience emphasis. I love being able to show these students that science is accessible to anyone and everyone.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself.
I am currently learning Irish Gaelic!
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