Dr. Gina Mireault is a developmental psychologist whose research investigates how babies discover what is funny. Her work examines how infants perceive, interpret, and respond to the unexpected in social contexts, revealing the earliest foundations of humor and social understanding.

She directs the NIH-funded Infant Laughter Lab at Vermont State University, where she and her undergraduate research team study humor as a window into cognitive and emotional development. Their findings help clarify when and how babies begin to recognize incongruity, share amusement, and engage socially through laughter.

In addition to her pioneering work on infant humor, Dr. Mireault has published research on temper tantrums, childhood anxiety grit, curiosity, and the psychology of loss and grief. Her research has informed both scientific and public audiences, contributing to advances in developmental science as well as to media coverage exploring how children learn, think, and connect with others.