Our Research
The Education and Brain Sciences Research Lab (EBRL) seeks to understand why some children are successful at learning to read while others are not. Using neuroimaging and behavioral testing, our NIH and NSF funded studies investigate reading comprehension, Neurofibromatosis Type 1, and the effects of reading interventions in children with and without reading difficulties.
We aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment of children who are struggling learners by combining findings from neurobiological, psychological, and educational perspectives.
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~News~
Dr. Mercedes Spencer Accepts Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position at Northwestern University
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mercedes Spencer! Dr. Spencer will begin a tenure-track Assistant Professor appointment in the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University in July 2022. Her ongoing and future work aims to identify potential early indicators of reading comprehension difficulties to better predict and prevent later reading […]
Dr. Aboud Receives Director’s Early Independence Award
Join us in congratulating EBRL’s Dr. Katherine Aboud in receiving the Director’s Early Independence Award from the National Institutes of Health! The award supports outstanding scientists with the intellect, scientific creativity, drive, and maturity bypass the traditional postdoctoral training period to launch independent research careers. Check out the full release on Vanderbilt’s site here.
Dr. Mercedes Spencer Receives the Rebecca L. Sandak Award
The Rebecca L. Sandak Award “The Rebecca L. Sandak Young Investigator Award was established in 2008 to honor the memory of Rebecca Sandak, who died before her research goals and ideas could be fully realized. The award is intended to recognize a gifted young reading researcher who shows outstanding promise and dedication to the field. […]
EBRL Looking for Kindergarteners for New Study
Click to see the flyer for more information!
EBRL now Recruiting for a Brain-Based Learning Enhancement study
The Education and Brain Sciences Research Laboratory is now recruiting for a study investigating Brain-based Learning Enhancement. Adults between the ages of 18-40 who are native English speakers are invited to participate. The study includes: Initial eligibility screening, and 3-4 study visits. Visit 1 includes MRI, EEG, non-invasive brain stimulation, and behavioral testing. Visits 2 and […]
Dr. Amanda Martinez-Lincoln Awarded NIH Supplement
EBRL’s postdoctoral research fellow, Dr. Amanda Martinez-Lincoln and her mentor, Dr. Laurie E. Cutting were the recipients of a NIH/NICHD Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-related Research. This funding will support Dr. Martinez-Lincoln’s project that will examine the neurobiological relation of reading comprehension and executive functioning in English Learners.
EBRL’s Laura Barquero Becomes Associate Editor of Annals of Dyslexia
Annals of Dyslexia is an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the scientific study of dyslexia, theory-based practices on remediation, and intervention of dyslexia and related areas of written language disorders, including spelling, composing, and mathematics. As of last year, Laura Barquero has dedicated her time and energy to becoming an Associate Editor of this tri-annual […]
EBRL Graduate Student Receives Funding from NISE
Sponsored by a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) grant, the Neurodiversity Inspired Science & Engineering (NISE) program takes a novel approach to the training of engineers and scientists engaged in advancing the future of work at the human technology frontier. NISE engages students across STEM disciplines in the development, deployment, and commercialization of approaches […]
Dr. Spencer Recognized by The International Dyslexia Association
Each year the International Dyslexia Association acknowledges the achievements of leading researchers and practitioners in the dyslexia field of research, as well as those of individuals with dyslexia who exhibit leadership and serve as role models in their communities. Dr. Mercedes Spencer of EBRL was recognized for her work and research by the IDA. She […]
Dr. Aboud Receives OSNAP Award
After a two day virtual conference and a detailed presentation our very own Dr. Katherine Aboud achieved the National Institute of Health’s Outstanding Scholar of Neuroscience Award! The OSNAP award is designed to recognize and support senior pre-doctoral candidates and early stage post-doctoral fellows who are conducting exceptional research and have great academic potential in […]