Alyssa M. Arre, Ph.D.

Learner Success and Data Analytics Manager

MIT Open Learning / MIT xPRO

Contact Information

Email: arre@mit.edu

Website: https://sites.mit.edu/alyssaarre

Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

In my current position, I work with students from all over the world as they pursue professional education at MIT xPRO. Specifically, I use data to improve the learning experience and draw insights about how adults learn online. I am particularly interested in the factors that drive differences in learner motivation and persistence in online courses.

Prior to coming to MIT, I served as the Scientific Director of the Cayo Santiago Biological Field Station, a research unit of the Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Ciencias Médicas. I previously earned my Ph.D. in Psychology from Yale University and my B.S. in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology from the University of Rochester.

Featured Press

Interview with But Why? Podcast for curious kids on animal courtship

Do animals get married? In this interview with Jane Lindholm, I discuss animal courtship and partnership in response to kid questions about animal love. Full interview via Vermont Public Radio website.

What Can We Learn From a Monkey Water Park? via Psychology Today

Mary Bates and I talk monkey play for Psychology Today and specifically what animal play can tell us about human developmental psychology. Full text available via Psychology Today.

PBS Nova on how rhesus monkeys are adapting following Hurricane Maria

My colleagues and I discuss ongoing work at the Cayo Santiago Biological Field Station investigating how rhesus macaques are adapting after the storm. Full interview segment via PBS Nova’s Youtube Channel.