Before joining MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies program in 2018 as an assistant professor, Dr. Cankaya was part of the PolicyWise for Children & Families team as a research scientist. Dr. Cankaya worked on policies and practices affecting Alberta’s children and families by linking, managing, and analyzing population-level administrative data from multiple ministries within this organization. Some of her other past work experiences consisted of working as a long-term consultant at the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and as a kindergarten teacher in Thailand. In the Department of Human Services and Early Learning, Dr. Cankaya teaches courses on theories of child development (ECCS 110 and 160), families in a global context (ECCS 360), research practices (HSAD 325), and fieldwork. For the last 15 years, Dr. Cankaya’s research has focused on children’s cognitive development and learning. Ozlem’s primary research interest is cognitive development in early childhood and its relation to learning experiences. Her doctoral research in the field of cognitive science explored the effects of culture, language, and experiences on young children’s early numeracy and literacy skills. Dr. Cankaya’s research program aims to create evidence that helps educators and parents support children’s development and learning effectively.\u00a0Ozlem is passionate about contributing to the happiness and health of children through her teaching and research.<\/p>\n