Cherney is internationally known for her research on how to elicit certain behaviors in children that can affect their career choices later in life.
She’s traveling to Washington, D.C. at the request of the White House Wednesday April 6 to take part in a day-long conference about breaking down gender stereotypes of toys and media so that children can explore, learn and dream in limitless ways.
The conference will help Cherney spread the word that Merrimack College is involved in related research and help to build momentum for the school’s faculty. She’s hopeful the conference will spur more students to study early childhood development.
“It’s heartwarming to know people are now more interested in this area of research,” Cherney said.
This conference will attract more than the usual researchers, she said. Toy manufacturers, retailers, and members of the media will attend.
“When the White House calls, you know people are going to go,” Cherney said.
Cherney is scheduled to return to the White House April 13 for an event called Operation Educate the Educators, which is the Joining Forces partnership between The Military Child Education Coalition and the University of Southern California that First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden started in 2011. The program is designed to help service members, veterans and their families navigate civilian life.
Cherney has extensive research on the military and wants to help Merrimack increase its military education programs through such initiatives as on-line courses.
