Camilla Benbow

Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development

Ed.D., Johns Hopkins, 1981

Camilla Persson Benbow is Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University's Peabody College, a position she has held since 1998.

An educational psychologist, Dean Benbow has focused her scholarly work on gifted education and the development of mathematical talent. She co-directs, with David Lubinski, the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY), a longitudinal study examining the developmental trajectories of over 5,000 individuals throughout the life-span. The study has been continuously funded since 1981. She is particularly interested in identifying the educational experiences and interventions most conducive to developing intellectual talent and excellence in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Dean Benbow began her academic career at Johns Hopkins University in 1981 as an associate research scientist. In 1986, Iowa State University appointed her associate professor of psychology. She was promoted to full professor in 1990, became department chair in 1992, and in 1995, was named distinguished professor. She was appointed interim dean of education at Iowa State in 1996. While at Iowa State she also directed pre-collegiate programs for talented and gifted students.

Dean Benbow has authored or co-authored more than 100 articles and 35 chapters and has edited two books. A fellow of the American Psychological Association Divisions 3 and 15, and of the American Psychological Society, she has received a distinguished scholar award from the National Association for Gifted Children and has been inducted into Johns Hopkins' Society of Scholars. In 2004, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the MENSA Education and Research Foundation.

Dean Benbow is a member of the board of the American Psychological Foundation. She co-founded and co-chairs the committee of AAU College of Education Deans.

In May 2006, she was appointed by Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings to the National Mathematics Advisory Panel. She has recently been appointed by President Bush to serve on the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation.

Dean Benbow received her Ed.D., with distinction, from Johns Hopkins University (1981), from which she also received her B.A. (1977) and M.A. (1978) in psychology and her M.S. in education (1980).

Learn More about Camilla Benbow:

Selected Publications
CV | Media Mentions

Media Mentions

Dean Benbow receives 2009 NAGC Presidential Award
Reflects her work and impact on gifted education.

The National Math Panel and beyond
Mathematics education is broken and must be fixed.

Title IX explores the science education frontier
Research by David Lubinski, professor of psychology and human development, and Camilla Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development, is cited in an article about the impact of Title IX on science education at universities receiving federal grants.

Dean Camilla Benbow named 2008 Johns Hopkins University distinguished alumna
Benbow also to deliver commencement address at Johns Hopkins School of Education, May 22

The freedom to say "no"
Why aren't there more women in science and engineering? Controversial new research suggests: They just aren't interested. Dean Camilla Benbow and Professor David Lubinski mentioned.

Solving America's math problem: National panel offers recommendations
Dean Camilla Benbow comments on math panel report

Equity vs. excellence: Is education still a zero-sum game?
In the context of No Child Left Behind, experts grapple with issues of classroom equity and quality of instruction

Camilla Benbow named to Mayor's task force on student success
Boosting student success and reducing Nashville's dropout rate are on agenda

Educational Software Firm Founded at Vanderbilt Sold
An education assessment company founded at Peabody has been purchased by a major producer of digital video-based learning products.

Developing our brightest minds: a report from the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth after 35 years
Educators receive new help in identifying the next generation of exceptional minds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — key fields in our increasingly competitive, information-based global economy.

Areas of Expertise

Math and Science Education

Assessment

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