Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal is the new director of Pitt’s Learning Research and Development Center

The University of Pittsburgh has named Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal as the next director of the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), effective Sept. 1.

In her nearly 20 years at Pitt, the chair of the Department of Psychology has built a robust program of research that investigates how socioeconomic inequality shapes and structures human development over the life course. She is also a senior scientist at the LRDC and over the past seven years has helped build the developmental processes and outcomes research area, consisting of multiple labs that focus on the social and developmental contexts of learning and human development.

“I am convinced that Elizabeth and I share a common understanding of the importance of preserving and advancing a strong Learning Research and Development Center as our University continues to grow and develop,” Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph J. McCarthy said in an announcement.

Votruba-Drzal previously served as director of the Department of Psychology’s Hot Metal Bridge Program, a postbaccalaureate program for underrepresented students interested in graduate training in psychology. There, she mentored students during the academic year, communicated with faculty to monitor students’ progress and supported students during the graduate admission process. She also served as the department’s director of diversity initiatives from 2017 to 2022.

Votruba-Drzal earned her PhD in human development and social policy from Northwestern University and her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.

She is succeeding Charles Perfetti, who announced his intention to step down from the long-standing director role in October 2023. Votruba-Drzal was selected through a national search, co-chaired by Mike Bridges, executive director of the University Center for Teaching and Learning, and Amanda Godley, vice provost for graduate studies.

Photography provided by Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal