I am a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo. I completed my B.Sc. in Psychology at McMaster University and my Ph.D. in Human Development at the University of Maryland-College Park. I joined the faculty at UW in July 2014. My research program focuses on social and emotional development in typically-developing children, children with extreme temperaments (e.g., extreme shyness), and children with autism. I use multiple methods to study individual differences including physiological recordings, computer tasks, and behavioural observations of children’s interactions with adults and peers. I am particularly interested in the role of self-processes, including self-monitoring and self-referenced memory, in relation to variations in social adaptation. Using both concurrent and longitudinal designs, I examine the bidirectional relations between attention, information processing and social behavior. I serve as an Associate Editor for
Developmental Science and
Social Development and as a reviewer for numerous other professional journals and granting agencies. In addition, I am the recipient of several awards for outstanding teaching and mentorship at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Contact Information:
Heather Henderson
To potential Graduate applicants:
Dr. Henderson is looking for new graduate students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Please contact me if you are interested in applying.
