My specific program of research stems from my experiences as a 5th grade teacher in a low-socioeconomic urban district. These students appeared to learn in ways that were fundamentally different than students I had taught from middle and high socioeconomic areas. I was motivated to specify these group differences and investigate the underlying cognitive mechanisms that may be responsible. To first gain a thorough understanding of the neurological underpinnings, I spent years working with a lab investigating the electrophysiological patterns of human memory. I went on to earn a PhD in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology. Now, I am able to synthesize these bases of knowledge in my research focused on the cognitive factors that mediate group differences on different skills. I ask why and how learning is different for different groups of children.
Current projects examine the cognitive patterns of 1) low-SES children on tasks related to working memory, measurement, and literacy, 2) low-performing children on tasks related to algebra, and 3) children with autism on tasks related to theory of mind abilities.
Much of this work has applied implication and application. Identifying the underlying cognitive factors responsible for group differences helps establish cognitive skills that need to be targeted and fostered in intervention programs. |
