How do we know what we're good at, when to try something new, and how to maximize positive experiences while minimizing negative ones? I am interested in theories of the self, how children develop them, and how they are shaped by evidence. While children around the world share a common set of physical and cognitive abilities, children also grow into distinct individuals, shaped by local cultures and environments. A better understanding of how children come to understand themselves can help explain one of the great mysteries of human cognition—how we learn a great deal so efficiently and flexibly.