Debra Poole PhD

Dr. Deb Poole received her Ph.D. in Developmental and Experimental Child Psychology from the University of Iowa in 1980. She taught for seven years at Beloit College, where she chaired the Psychology Department, before relocating to Central Michigan University in 1987. Dr. Poole is interested in the social policy implications of basic research in language and cognitive development. Her primary research program, on children's eyewitness testimony and forensic interviewing of children, has been funded by grants from The National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation. In addition to conducting studies to evaluate interviewing techniques, Dr. Poole works with policy groups to draft interviewing guidelines and frequently presents to professionals in child protective services, law enforcement, and other fields.