Assoc Prof Dr Maria Catarina Grande | Inclusion | Best Researcher Award
Assoc Prof Dr Maria Catarina Grande, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal
Dr. Catarina Grande is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology & Education Sciences, University of Porto. Her research spans Educational and Developmental Psychology, with a recent focus on Pediatric Psychology. With extensive experience in early childhood intervention, she has contributed to significant research projects and developed practical guides for professionals in the field. Dr. Grande has also led numerous training sessions and workshops for educators and parents, impacting early childhood education and intervention practices in Portugal and beyond.
Publication Profile
Google scholar
Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Grande has a significant track record in research, particularly in the fields of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Early Childhood Intervention, and Pediatric Psychology. Her involvement in a range of high-impact projects—such as evaluating Portugal’s pre-school program and developing practice guides for early intervention professionals—demonstrates her commitment to advancing knowledge and improving educational practices.
- Diverse Funding Sources: She has successfully secured funding from reputable sources such as the Gulbenkian Foundation, the Portuguese Ministry of Education, and the Fulbright Foundation. This indicates strong grant writing skills and the ability to attract substantial financial support for her research endeavors.
- Publications and Dissemination: Dr. Grande has published widely, including books, book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers. Her research outputs cover important areas like teacher-child interactions and early childhood intervention, showcasing her broad expertise and active engagement in disseminating her findings.
- Educational Impact: Her role in supervising graduate students and conducting numerous training workshops for educators and parents highlights her commitment to education and her influence on both academic and practical aspects of her field.
- Collaborative Projects: Dr. Grande’s involvement in international collaborations, such as the study with Case Western Reserve University and her contributions to the Im2 project, reflects her ability to work effectively in diverse and multidisciplinary teams.
Areas for Improvement
- Language Proficiency: While Dr. Grande has intermediate proficiency in English and French, advancing her skills in these languages could enhance her ability to collaborate internationally and contribute to a wider range of global research networks.
- Broader Research Focus: Although her specialization in early childhood development is highly relevant, diversifying her research interests or expanding into related fields might provide new opportunities for innovation and impact. This could involve exploring emerging topics within pediatric psychology or integrating more interdisciplinary approaches.
- Increasing Research Visibility: While her publication record is strong, increasing the visibility of her research through higher-profile journals or media outlets could further amplify the impact of her work. Engaging in more high-impact conferences and outreach activities could also raise her profile within the global research community.
Education
Dr. Catarina Grande earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Porto in 2010, specializing in the impact of educator-child interactions on children with special educational needs. She completed her Master’s degree in Early Intervention in 1998 and her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology in 1991. Her academic background underpins her extensive research and practical work in early childhood education and intervention.
Experience
Dr. Grande has served as an Assistant Professor and Associate Professor at the University of Porto since 2010. Her roles include supervising graduate students, leading research projects, and contributing to various research initiatives in early childhood education. Her work extends to training and workshops for educators and parents, enhancing quality in early childhood settings and advancing practices in early intervention.
Research Focus
Dr. Grande’s research primarily investigates preschool children’s development, both typical and atypical. Se focuses on early childhood intervention, responsive teaching, and teacher-child interactions. Her recent work includes evaluating educational programs and developing practices for enhancing engagement and support for children with special educational needs.
Publication Top Notes
Práticas de intervenção precoce baseadas nas rotinas: Um projecto de formação e investigação
Early childhood intervention in Portugal: An overview based on the developmental systems model
Questionário de estilos educativos parentais (QEEP)
Nasolacrimal polyurethane stent placement for epiphora: technical long-term results
Intervenção e investigação em idades precoces: O legado de Joaquim Bairrão
A short form of the neonatal intensive care unit family needs inventory
Conclusion
Dr. Catarina Grande exhibits strong credentials for the Best Researcher Award. Her extensive research experience, successful funding record, diverse publications, and significant contributions to educational practice reflect her excellence in the field of psychology. While there are areas for potential growth, particularly in language proficiency and expanding her research focus, her achievements clearly align with the criteria for this prestigious award. Dr. Grande’s dedication to improving early childhood education and intervention, coupled with her impactful research and international collaborations, makes her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.