Message from the Chair

It is my privilege to serve as the interim chair of the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development from July 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022.

For over 75 years, the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development has been dedicated to the study and well-being of children and families from diverse backgrounds. With a long history rooted in Abigail Eliot's pioneering work establishing one of the nation's first early childhood teacher preparation programs, Eliot-Pearson became an academic department within Tufts University in 1964. Since then, we have grown into an interdisciplinary department, with faculty from fields including psychology, child and adolescent development, family studies, education, neuroscience, linguistics, technology, and public policy.

The department provides a vibrant, interdisciplinary community dedicated to applied research and the preparation of students for a range of careers addressing varied facets of children's and adolescents' lives, including family dynamics, education, clinical-medical care, media and technology, and public policy. Issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion permeate Eliot-Pearson's perspective of integrating theory and research from multiple disciplines with knowledge of effective practice to promote the development of diverse young people, from infancy through adolescence. This commitment is part of Eliot-Pearson's foundation.

In keeping with the department's current theme of "Child Development in the 21st Century", we are committed to understanding the diverse realities of human development within and across nations, in an increasingly complex, rapidly changing, and interconnected world. In addition to our signature developmental and global perspective, and commitment to research/practice integration, we recognize the urgency of addressing deep-seated structural inequities that impact the lives of children, youth, and families. I invite you to join us as we continue our exciting journey at Eliot-Pearson to engage in meaningful research and applied work to provide new opportunities for children, adolescents, and families in local, national, and global communities.

Jayanthi Mistry
Professor & Chair