Melissa Libertus was selected for a Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society fellowship

Melissa Libertus, associate professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychology, was named to an inaugural cohort with the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS).

The yearlong research fellowship will allow the scientists — Libertus is among only five nationwide — to work closely with ARIS leadership on their projects, participate in the center’s programming and share their experiences and tools both locally and in professional circles. They will present their projects at the 2026 ARIS Summit.

“This is a great honor and excellent opportunity for me to learn about additional ways to share my research and its importance with the public. I look forward to working alongside the other fellows and ARIS members,” said Libertus, who is also a research scientist in Pitt’s Learning Research and Development Center.

“My research focuses on the development of mathematical thinking in young children and the way that parents can support their children’s learning. Math skills are an important predictor of academic achievement, but also career success and lifelong well-being. Sharing the important research findings in this area with parents, early childhood educators and pediatricians is the goal of this fellowship year for me.”

Read the full release from ARIS.