Early Childhood Research Summit

Summit Agenda

More details coming soon.

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Registration
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Opening & Welcome
Susan Sheridan

Director, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools | University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Jennifer Nelson

Interim Vice Chancellor, Office of Research & Innovation

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Address & Moderated Discussion:
Ying Xu, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Harvard University

Read Bio

AI and the Developing Child: Myths, Evidence and Open Questions

This presentation will examine the role and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on children’s cognitive and social development. Drawing on emerging evidence, she will highlight how children interact with, perceive and learn from AI systems, including the ways they develop trust in “AI companions.” The keynote will also consider open questions about whether generative AI tools shape children’s curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Xu will conclude with a discussion of how education and psychology researchers can strengthen their efforts to ensure AI is safe and beneficial for children.

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Session I
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Session II
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon & Networking
1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Session III
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.
Session IV
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Jeff Reese

Dean, College of Education & Human Sciences | University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Lisa Knoche

Co-Director, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools | University of Nebraska–Lincoln

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Discovery Showcase & Reception

Early Childhood Poster Presentations

Session Types

There are two types of concurrent research sessions: Research Exchange Sessions and Early Childhood Ignite Sessions. Both types are 45 minutes in length and include a 15-minute interactive discussion. The Discovery Showcase is an interactive research poster session at the end of the day.



Research Exchange Session
Morning & Afternoon Concurrent Sessions

Individual researchers/teams will share their research findings. A facilitated discussion of applications to practice and policy will follow.



Early Childhood Ignite Session
Morning & Afternoon Concurrent Sessions

Each session will include two different, thematically linked research presentations. Each researcher will have 10 minutes to share their findings.



Discovery Showcase
4:00-5:00 p.m.

Research posters will be displayed and presenters will provide a brief summary of their poster and share information on their findings.