Dr. Sammy Ahmed
HDF Assistant Professor
Dr. Sammy Ahmed is an Assistant Professor for the Human Development and Family Science department. Dr. Ahmed conducts a very active and exciting research agenda related to youth cognitive development.
“Take advantage of all the great experiential learning opportunities in our department – and don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty about research and employment opportunities.”
“Take advantage of all the great experiential learning opportunities in our department – and don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty about research and employment opportunities.”Dr. Sammy Ahmed, PhD
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in New York City.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I received a B.S. in Applied Psychology from New York University, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan.
When did you start working at URI?
I started in the Fall of 2022.
Do you do any research? If not, which topics interest you the most?
My research lab studies the cognitive mechanisms that support learning and social functioning across the lifespan as well as the social contexts that promote cognitive development during childhood and adolescence. To do this, we use longitudinal and experimental methods in school settings and draw on large-scale data sets to understand children’s development. We also collaborate with educational research foundations to develop, implement, and evaluate school-based interventions designed to promote young children’s cognitive, social, and academic development. Across our lines of research, we employ advanced quantitative methodology and develop novel assessments to understand children’s development and well-being.
In your opinion, what sets URI’s HDF program apart from other universities’ HDF programs?
The strong ties to the community across the state of Rhode Island. Our faculty work with several state agencies and policy organizations with the goal of applying research to improve the lives of children and families across the state. Students in our department have the opportunity to gain experience working on applied research and community outreach – and many of our students go on to work at different state agencies after graduating.
What do you like most about the HDF program?
It’s a whole list of things: The applied and translational nature of our research; the focus on lifespan development; the commitment to working with children, families, and communities across RI; the talented students and expert faculty.
Do you have any words of wisdom for undergrads?
Get involved in research early and gain experience working with families and communities. Take advantage of all the great experiential learning opportunities in our department – and don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty about research and employment opportunities.
Learn more about Sammy Ahmed
Learn more about the Applied Cognitive Development Lab