Caren Walker

Dr. Caren Walker is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. She completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2015, where she honed her expertise in cognitive development. Her research is centered on understanding how children learn and reason about the causal structure of the world, a field that has profound implications for both developmental and cognitive sciences. Dr. Walker's scholarly pursuits are deeply rooted in the exploration of knowledge acquisition and change, with a keen interest in early mental representations and abstract reasoning. Her work is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, philosophy, education, and computational theory. This unique blend allows her to investigate complex learning processes such as learning by analogy, explanation, and engagement in imaginary worlds. Throughout her career, Dr. Walker has contributed significantly to the academic community through her extensive publications. Her research not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers practical implications for education and artificial intelligence. By examining the mechanisms behind how children acquire and adapt knowledge, she provides valuable insights into the nature of early cognitive development. Dr. Walker's innovative research has been recognized for its ability to bridge gaps between various disciplines, offering a comprehensive view of how children construct and modify their understanding of the world. Her work continues to inspire new directions in research, particularly in the areas of developmental psychology and educational practices. In addition to her research, Dr. Walker is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of psychologists. Her dedication to education is evident in her efforts to foster critical thinking and curiosity among her students, preparing them to tackle complex questions in the field of psychology.