The Language, Experience, and Development (LEAD) Lab team studies how children’s early experiences—both favorable and adverse—influence their neural, cognitive, and academic development.
Research Assistants may assist with the PLANES (Preschool Language and Neural Engagement Study) project. This study will investigate factors that contribute to socioeconomic differences in neurocognitive development and associated protective factors that promote resilience in preschool aged children (3-5 years). The study utilizes observational, experimental, and noninvasive neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, fNIRS) to examine how caregiver-child interaction relates to the development of brain networks that support language, executive functioning, and social cognition.
Research Assistants in the LEAD Lab engage in a variety of tasks, including recruiting participants, facilitating child and family visits to the lab, assisting with neuroimaging sessions, examining videos for patterns of parent-child interaction, and much more! RAs will work ~10 hours per week from January 2025 to December 2025, and some of this work will likely occur on evenings/weekends when families are available.
The LEAD Lab is interested in applicants with a range of experiences, and we especially encourage students without previous research experience to apply. Applicants with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, history of/interest in working with children and families, commitment to collaboration, and interest in the intersections of developmental psychology, developmental cognitive neuroscience, and educational equity may find a good fit in the LEAD Lab.
Interested applicants should fill out the lab’s interest/application form using the following link: https://forms.gle/pnVZ3naNykuGgKh98 Applications are due by November 1
