Ann Masten

Dr. Ann Masten, Ph.D. is a professor of child development at the University of Minnesota, recognized for research on resilience in children and families facing adversity. Dr. Mastern's work has shifted the field’s understanding of resilience, emphasizing that the capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges—what she terms "ordinary magic"—is rooted in common adaptive processes and supportive relationships, rather than rare or extraordinary traits. Dr. Mastern has authored more than 200 publications, including the book Ordinary Magic: Resilience in Development, and her research has been supported by institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Throughout her career, Dr. Mastern has held leadership roles, including serving as president of the Society for Research in Child Development and Division 7 (Developmental) of the American Psychological Association. Her expertise has been sought at international forums, such as the United Nations and the International Congress on Psychology, and she has delivered keynote lectures to audiences worldwide, including the Grawemeyer Award lecture, which addressed the impact of resilience science on clinical and educational practices. Dr. Mastern collaborates with educators, policymakers, and community organizations to advocate for interventions that foster resilience in children exposed to trauma, disaster, poverty, and displacement.

Dr. Mastern’s contributions have been recognized with honors, including the Urie Bronfenbrenner Award for Lifetime Contributions to Developmental Psychology and the University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award in Psychology. Her public speaking engagements highlight how protective factors—such as effective parenting, supportive schools, and cultural traditions—can nurture resilience at individual, family, and community levels. Through research, teaching, and advocacy, Dr. Mastern advances the understanding of resilience and its role in child development, trauma recovery, and educational psychology.