Leher Singh, Ph.D. Named Director for Science Affairs at Society for Research in Child Development
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) announced today that Leher Singh, Ph.D. has been named Director for Science Affairs. Dr. Singh will work closely with the Executive Director, Society leadership, and the membership to support SRCD’s core scientific mission: to advance the developmental sciences and promote the use of developmental research to improve human lives.
"Dr. Singh's wealth of experience and dedication to the science make her the ideal person to fill this position," said Saima Hedrick, MPH, CAE, Executive Director of SRCD. "She brings an extensive background of early language research and cognitive development to the role. We are thrilled that she is joining the staff."
Dr. Singh received her B.A. in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College and her doctorate from Brown University. Following her doctorate, she joined the faculty of Boston University in 2002 as an Assistant (2002-2008) and then Associate Professor. In 2010, she joined the Psychology department at the National University of Singapore (NUS) as an Associate Professor of Psychology. At NUS, Dr. Singh has served as the Director of Research in Psychology for several years, as the Deputy Director of the Centre for Family and Population Research, and on the University Expert Panel for large grants submitted to government funding agencies. Her research focuses on effects of multilingualism and other forms of social diversity on social and cognitive development.
Dr. Singh is currently Associate Editor for both the Journal of Cognition and Development and Developmental Science. She has served on the editorial board of SRCD's flagship journal, Child Development, and authored or co-authored numerous journal articles, book chapters, and manuscripts. She has been awarded research grants from the National Institutes of Health (US), the National Science Foundation (US), the Singapore Ministry of Education, and the Singapore Social Science Research Council.
"I am honored to lead SRCD's Science team in the next stage of its growth," said Dr. Singh. "The Society, its journals, and the Asian Caucus have all played important roles in my own professional developmental science journey and I am looking forward to contributing to developmental research from the other side."
As Director for Science Affairs, Dr. Singh's core responsibilities will include oversight of the publication of the Society’s four journals, solicitation and review of proposals from SRCD members for various science-based initiatives including the special topics meetings and the small grants program, preparation of grant applications, management of externally funded grants, and building relationships with SRCD funders.
About SRCD
The Society for Research in Child Development is one of the world’s most prestigious and respected professional organizations in the field of child development. Founded by the National Academy of Sciences in 1933 as a multidisciplinary, not-for-profit, professional association, SRCD consists of SRCD's membership consists of researchers, practitioners, and human development professionals from more than 60 countries. SRCD advances the developmental sciences and promote the use of developmental research to improve human lives. This mission is achieved through a variety of programs, publications, and policy advocacy initiatives.