Lisa M. Oakes

About the Author

Lisa M. Oakes is a distinguished developmental psychologist and professor emerita at the University of California, Davis, where she has dedicated her career to unraveling the mysteries of early childhood cognition and behavior. With a PhD in developmental psychology, her research focuses on how infants perceive and interact with the world, blending rigorous scientific inquiry with insights into emotional and social growth. Oakes has authored numerous influential studies and books that bridge academia and parenting, offering evidence-based guidance for understanding the rapid transformations in a child's first years. Her work emphasizes the holistic development of the whole child, from sensory processing to attachment formation, making complex concepts accessible to educators, parents, and researchers alike. Through her contributions, Oakes continues to shape how we view the foundational stages of human development.