Dr. Kathryn Spoehr

Biography

Kathryn T. Spoehr received her A.B. degree from Brown University in 1969, specializing in mathematical psychology. She pursued graduate work in cognitive psychology and computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence at Stanford University, obtaining her A.M. in 1971 and her Ph.D. in 1973. Spoehr joined the Psychology faculty at Brown in 1974 and was a founding member of the Executive Committee of the Center for Cognitive Science. She later moved to the Department of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences in 1986, serving as chairperson from 1991 to 1993, and played a vital role in establishing the new Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences department in 2010, where she served as Associate Chair. Throughout her career at Brown, Spoehr has held several administrative positions including Associate Provost for Budget Planning and Dean of the Graduate School of Research. Her research interests lie primarily in the realms of cognitive principles influencing the design and use of computer-based learning environments, the impact of digital learning tools, and assessment strategies for adult vocabulary literacy. She has directed numerous funded projects, including research in educational technology and cognitive assessment for the National Center for Educational Statistics. Her extensive work has contributed significantly to the understanding of cognitive mechanisms and the optimal design of educational technologies, aiming to enhance teaching and learning in higher education.

Research Interests

Courses