Josh Medrano, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Scholar · Berkeley School of Education

I am a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Berkeley School of Education. I hold a Ph.D. in Human Development from University of Maryland, College Park and a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from University of Virginia. In my research, I aim to understand how students engage cognitive skills when learning math and science. Specifically, I examine executive functioning and spatial/relational reasoning. The goal of this research is to inform efforts in improving math and science learning, as these skills are foundational for later academic and career outcomes.

joshmedrano@berkeley.edu · Google Scholar · Bluesky · ORCID
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Josh Medrano in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

Research

My work sits at the intersection of cognitive development, educational psychology, and STEM learning. I focus on three interrelated questions: (1) how executive functions—working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility—support mathematical reasoning; (2) how spatial and relational reasoning scaffolds conceptual understanding in math and science; and (3) how environmental factors, such as air pollution exposure, shape cognitive development and learning outcomes in children.

A growing line of research examines equity in STEM education, with particular attention to school readiness and achievement patterns among Asian American children—a population whose diversity is often overlooked in developmental research.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

* Co-first authors

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