When I asked ChatGPT “about” myself, this is what came back:
“Dr. Jane Piirto is a distinguished American scholar, author, and educator, recognized for her contributions to the fields of gifted education, creativity, and talent development. She is a Trustees’ Distinguished Professor Emerita at Ashland University in Ohio.
Key aspects of Jane Piirto’s career and work
· Dr. Piirto’s career has included directing Talent Development Education programs at Ashland University and teaching at various levels. She also served as principal of the Hunter College Elementary School, a school for gifted children.
· Her scholarly work focuses on the psychology of creativity and gifted children, including the development of the “Piirto Pyramid of Talent Development”. Her research explores factors influencing creativity, such as her “Five Core Attitudes” and “Eight I’s”. Qualitative biographical research and Arts-Based Research methods, particularly Poetic Inquiry, are utilized.
· Dr. Piirto is a prolific author of both scholarly and literary works. Her scholarly books include various editions of Talented Children and Adults: Their Development and Education, Understanding Creativity, “My Teeming Brain”: Understanding Creative Writers, Creativity for 21st Century Skills, and others. Her literary works include award-winning novels like The Three-Week Trance Diet, poetry chapbooks and Saunas: Selected Poems, short stories, and A Location in the Upper Peninsula: Selected Poems, Essays, and Stories.
· She has received numerous awards, including Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Scholar awards from Mensa and the National Association for Gifted Children, respectively. She has also been honored with an honorary doctorate and fellowships for her literary work. Other accolades include the Paul Torrance Award for Creativity and the WCGT International Creativity Award.
· Dr. Piirto has an international presence, having spoken and consulted on various continents.
Background
· Born in Ishpeming, Michigan, and of Finnish heritage, Dr. Piirto holds multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in Leadership from Bowling Green State University.
· Through her research, publications, and teaching, Jane Piirto has significantly advanced the understanding of creativity and talent development. Her work bridges education, psychology, and literature, making her a respected figure in these fields.”
I live in the Columbus, Ohio area and I have two children and one granddaughter.
janepiirto@mac.com