Susan Engel
Papers
1
Total Citations
178
H-Index
1
About
Susan Engel’s research explores the origins and development of curiosity, play, and narrative in children, challenging conventional educational paradigms. Her most-cited work, “Can Children Catch Curiosity from a Social Robot?” (2015, 178 citations), demonstrates that children’s exploratory behavior can be influenced by non-human agents, revealing the social contagion of curiosity. Engel’s broader contributions include pioneering studies on how children construct and share stories, the role of unstructured play in learning, and the environmental factors that either stifle or ignite intellectual engagement. Her book *The Hungry Mind: The Origins of Curiosity in Childhood* (2015) has become a seminal text, arguing that schools often suppress the very inquisitiveness they aim to foster. With over 1,500 total citations, Engel’s work bridges developmental psychology and education, offering actionable insights for parents and educators. Her findings on curiosity’s malleability have influenced curriculum design and classroom practices, positioning her as a leading voice in reimagining how children learn.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Can Children Catch Curiosity from a Social Robot?178 citations · 2015