A former elementary school teacher, Fanxiao Wani Qiu ’25 joined USC’s Minds in Development Lab in 2021 while pursuing a PhD in developmental psychology under the direction of Henrike Moll, professor of psychology and philosophy. Her dissertation, which she successfully defended last May, examined how children understand the act of teaching.

What did working with Professor Moll teach you — not just as a researcher, but as a person?

Dr. Moll struck a thoughtful balance between guidance and independence. She was there when I needed her, but she also gave me the freedom to pursue my own research ideas. She emphasized the importance of confidence and resilience in research, and her encouragement helped me see mistakes not as failures, but as valuable parts of the research process.

How did becoming a mother in 2023 shape your research?

It shifted how I view my work. Instead of something confined to paper or a lab, I began noticing my research playing out in real life. I saw it in my everyday interactions with my daughter, and that became a new source of inspiration.

Why is your research especially relevant today?

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes children’s lives and education, it raises important questions about how we design learning environments. My research reminds us to center human creativity and innovation — skills that will remain uniquely valuable, even in an AI-driven world. —D.P.S.