Kathleen Thomas, PhD, a professor in the Institute of Child Development (ICD), has been named director of the Institute effective July 1, 2020. 

Thomas earned a PhD from ICD in 1997 and joined the faculty in 2002. Thomas directs the Cognitive Development and Neuroimaging Lab, and her research focuses on the development and neurobiological correlates of attention, learning, and memory functions during childhood and adolescence. She looks at the impact of specific life experiences on brain development and cognitive development using magnetic resonance imaging.

Prior to being named director, Thomas has held the position of director of graduate studies in ICD since 2016. 

Thomas will replace Megan Gunnar, PhD, who has served as ICD’s director since June 2011.