A portrait of Dr. Manfra.

Louis Manfra , PhD

  • Associate Professor Human Development & Family Science
  • Email manfral@missouri.edu
  • Telephone number 573-882-8455
  • Work Location
    Office Q109A 1400 Rock Quarry Road, Columbia, MO 65211

Dr. Louis Manfra is currently an Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Missouri, where he has worked since 2010. He received a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from George Mason University in 2006. His research broadly focuses on children’s cognitive development, learning, and school success during the early childhood years, especially as it relates to school readiness, self-regulation, motivation, and self-directed speech. He is currently exploring the impact of these constructs on long-term achievement in elementary school and identifying early skills and environmental factors that increase school success among at-risk and vulnerable children and children from diverse populations. Recent projects focused on exploring education-related supports, impact, and development of children and families who experience homelessness.

Research

Areas of expertise

  • Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning

Research Summary

Investigating the developmental processes that shape children’s learning, school readiness, and long-term academic achievement.