Michael P. Mesa, PhD

Dr. Michael P. Mesa is a postdoctoral researcher at the Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The overarching goal of Dr. Mesa’s research program is to investigate factors that can act as facilitators and barriers to young children’s language, literacy, and behavioral skill development, including the influence of peers, small-group composition, behavior management strategies, and culturally relevant pedagogy. Dr. Mesa is particularly driven by the need to improve the outcomes of young children at-risk of academic failure. He is currently investigating how peer effects can maximize the positive outcomes of young children participating in targeted small-group instruction.

Education & Training

Dr. Mesa earned a doctoral degree from the Educational Psychology and Learning Systems program at Florida State University, where he also earned certificates in Statistical Measurement and College Teaching. Prior to starting at the Children’s Learning Institute, Dr. Mesa worked for the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University and the Center for Children and Families at Florida International University. He was also the instructor of record for multiple in-person and online courses in the College of Education at Florida State University.

Recognition

Dr. Mesa has received various awards and honors including internal funding for research and the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award.