Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen

University of Missouri

Dr. Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen is an Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science and the Isabelle Wade Lyda and Paul C. Lyda Professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri.

Her research program aims to identify sustainable, cost-effective solutions that promote optimal child development by building on children’s existing strengths. To this end, she studies how playful experiences support learning and development in early childhood. Her work demonstrates that play lays the foundation for the skills children need to succeed in school and life.