Dr. Natalie Hiromi Brito named a CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar

Congratulations to Dr. Natalie Hiromi Brito, Assistant Professor of Applied Psychology and IHDSC Faculty Affiliate, for being chosen as a fellow in the seventh cohort of CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars. She joins the 2022-2024 cohort with eighteen early-career researchers from institutions across six countries. The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars is a unique program that provides $100,000 in unrestricted research support, in addition to mentorship, global networking, and professional skills development.

During the two year fellowship, scholars join one of CIFAR’s 12 research programs where they can collaborate with CIFAR fellows. Dr. Brito is a developmental psychologist who examines how early social and cultural contexts shape the trajectory of neurocognitive development, with the goal of better understanding how to best support caregivers and create environments that foster healthy child development. She joins CIFAR’s Child and Brain Development research program.

Related Institutes and Programs

The Institute of Human Development and Social Change

IHDSC is the largest interdisciplinary institute on New York University's Washington Square campus supporting rigorous research and training across social, behavioral, educational, policy, and health sciences.

Applied Psychology

The Applied Psychology major is an interdisciplinary program designed to develop students who can bridge psychological theory, research, and practice in a multicultural world.

Learn More about Dr. Brito's Work

Studying STEM in Sunset Park

IHDSC spoke with Dr. Natalie Brito and Sunset Spark — a Brooklyn-based non-profit— about their partnership, the importance of diverse and representative samples, and the benefit of conducting research in community-based settings.

Bilingual Benefits

Dr. Natalie Brito explores myths and misconceptions that accompany bilingual learning in the United States, specifically for children who are learning English as a second language. Through evidence-based, culturally appropriate tools such as Dr. Brito's Háblame Bebé mobile phone app, parents can complete educational modules, receive reminders to incorporate language into everyday activities, and learn about the benefits of bilingualism.