Early Learning and Cognitive Development Lab
Our research team investigates the development of cognitive skills and how these skills contribute to learning mathematics and science concepts in early childhood. We primarily focus on executive function skills, which are the neurocognitive skills that play a pivotal role in consciously controlling our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Secondarily, we examine the efficacy of educational interventions and instructional practices on children's development. To do this, we conduct research in schools, online, and in the laboratory settings with preschool to third graders. We also use large, publicly available longitudinal and educational datasets to examine early learning and cognition across the lifespan. Across all lines of our research we use advanced quantitative methods to help us better understand how children learn and develop. ​
Executive Function, Mathematics, and Science
Executive function skills are thought to play a role in mathematics and science achievement by enabling children to focus on the task, shift between elements of a problem, and remember and manipulate information in the mind.​ We examine the role executive function plays in doing and learning mathematics and science, how this role varies from one skill to another, across individuals, and over time.
Early Childhood Educational Experiences
We examine the efficacy of early childhood educational interventions and identify elements of instruction that support cognitive, academic, and well-being gains. The goal of this line of work is to understand and promote high quality, developmentally appropriate experiences in early childhood classrooms.​