Our Story
Reflection Sciences is the culmination of twenty years of groundbreaking research and unwavering passion for Executive Function. Phil Zelazo, Ph.D. and Stephanie Carlson, Ph.D., researchers at the University of Minnesota and Co-founders of Reflection Sciences, spent years studying Executive Function and determining how it could be improved, and how that, in turn, could improve early childhood education. They soon realized a key component was missing: an effective way to scientifically and objectively measure Executive Function in young children. With a growing appreciation of the need for services around Executive Function, and with support from the National Institutes of Health, the Co-founders created the best measure of Executive Function available today, a direct behavioral assessment of the neurocognitive skills that are most vital to academic and life success.
After seeing the effectiveness of the assessment in their own research, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Zelazo created Reflection Sciences in 2014 to bring it to the broader educational community. Our assessment and related products are now being used around the world to accurately measure Executive Function in preschools, K-12 schools, after-school programs, Head Start programs, pediatric clinics, and research universities.
Our Story
Measuring Cognitive Flexibility, Working Memory, and Inhibitory Control Skills
Reflection Sciences is the culmination of twenty years of groundbreaking research, constant curiosity, and unwavering passion for Executive Function skills, development, and advocacy. Phil Zelazo, Ph.D. and Stephanie Carlson, Ph.D., researchers at the University of Minnesota and Co-founders of Reflection Sciences, spent years studying Executive Function and determining how it could be improved, and how that, in turn, could improve early childhood education. They soon realized a key component was missing: an effective way to scientifically and objectively measure Executive Function in young children. With a growing appreciation of the need for services around Executive Function, and with support from the National Institutes of Health, the Co-founders created the best measure of Executive Function available today – the Minnesota Executive Function Scale – a direct behavioral assessment of the neurocognitive skills that are most vital to academic and life success.
After seeing the effectiveness of the MEFS App in their own research, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Zelazo created Reflection Sciences in 2014 to bring the MEFS App to the broader educational community. It is now being used across the nation and internationally to accurately measure Executive Function in preschools, K-12 schools, after-school programs, Head Start programs, and pediatric clinics.
Our Mission
Our aim is to reduce gaps in achievement and opportunity by advancing the science and practice of Executive Function to accelerate learning. Research indicates our work is impactful, and we want educators worldwide to benefit directly from our products and services, contribute their own data, and play an active role in Executive Function growth.
Mission
Our aim is to reduce gaps in achievement and opportunity by advancing the science and practice of Executive Function to accelerate learning. Research indicates our work is impactful, and we want everyone to benefit directly from our studies, contribute their own data, and play an active role in the process.
