Welcome!
If we wonder often, the gift of knowledge will come. If we never wonder, knowledge will never find us. -Arapaho Proverb
My Story
Hello! My name is Alexis, and I am a developmental scientist, researcher, and professor at University of Oregon. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, with a mixed-race heritage. On my paternal side I am an Aleut tribal member (Alaskan Native), and on my maternal side I am a descendent of European immigrants. I bring strengths and resilience from both sides on my family into the work I do, as well as a deep commitment to stand with and uplift marginalized communities.​
As a researcher, I'm fascinated with the way cognitive skills like self-regulation and executive function develop in early childhood. I'm especially interested in the influence of language, cultural socialization, and identity on executive function. Through my work, I aim to elevate Indigenous theories of human development and produce research that demonstrates the power of Indigenous cultural and parenting practices for supporting child cognitive development. I also work to support equity in early childhood education spaces, for both children and early childhood educators.
I am also passionate about teaching adult learners from all backgrounds. I believe every student brings a unique perspective and life experience to their learning environments, and this should be respected and encouraged. Together with students I work to find creative ways to spark their curiosity and meet our mutual goals for their learning. In order to achieve this, I utilize current theory on adult learning as well as up to date research to guide my methodology, depending on the subject or course I am teaching. Please browse my website to get to know me and my work, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions, would like to meet me, or would like to collaborate in the future.
My Professional Journey
June 2025 - Present
Aug. 2023 - June 2025
Jan. 2020 - June 2023
Sep. 2017 - Dec. 2019
Sep. 2013 - July 2017
Sep. 2009 - June 2013
Assistant Professor, University of Oregon
Ballmer Institute for Child Behavioral Health
Postdoctoral Fellow
Stanford University, Center on Early Childhood
Ph.D., Human Development and Family Studies
Oregon State University
M.S., Human Development and Family Studies
Oregon State University
Education Case Manager, Youth Services Manager
Seattle Indian Health Board
B.A., Psychology
Seattle Pacific University