Nicholas Carter

Nicholas Carter, Ph.D., is the Thomas Jefferson Distinguished Professor of Psychology and the Head of Developmental Psychology at the University of Virginia. He earned his doctorate in developmental psychology from Stanford University and completed his clinical training and postdoctoral fellowship at the Harvard Medical School Psychology Training Consortium. Nicholas is board certified in Clinical Psychology.

Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Nicholas has dedicated his career to exploring the impact of early childhood experiences on long-term mental health outcomes, focusing particularly on how nurturing environments can mitigate the effects of early adversity and promote resilience in children. His work is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Education, and various philanthropic organizations.

Nicholas serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Child Development Studies and co-founded the initiative Thriving Kids, a resource platform aimed at guiding caregivers and educators toward effective strategies for supporting children's social and emotional learning. This initiative is endorsed by the American Psychological Association and the Society for Research in Child Development.

Nicholas is an active member of the Advisory Council for the National Institute of Mental Health. Over his illustrious career, he has been honored with numerous accolades for his research (the Early Career Contributions Award from the American Psychological Association), teaching (the University of Virginia’s All-University Teaching Award), and mentorship (the Mentorship Recognition Award from the Association for Psychological Science). His insights have been highlighted in prominent media platforms such as The Washington Post and CNN, and he frequently contributes to discussions on child development on national radio and television programs.

With a commitment to translating complex psychological theories into practical advice, Nicholas continues to be a leading voice in the field of child psychology, inspiring both professionals and parents alike to foster supportive environments that encourage healthy growth and development in young people.