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Research Statement

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My research investigates how language skills develop during infancy and early childhood, focusing on the interaction between innate learning mechanisms and environmental contexts in fostering language acquisition as children grow. With an interdisciplinary background in linguistics and psychology, I conduct developmental research in both laboratory and home settings, examining early language and cognitive development as foundations for subsequent developmental cascades.

Mentors and Advisors

I am deeply grateful to my research mentors and advisors for shaping my interdisciplinary approach to developmental psychology and linguistics. Their guidance has inspired me to pursue innovative research exploring language acquisition and cognitive development during infancy and early childhood.

Education

Research Training

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2023 - 2025, McMaster University

M.S. in Developmental Psychology

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Supervisory Committee:

Dr. Gabriel (Naiqi) Xiao, McMaster University, Chair

Dr. Janet F. Werker, Univ. of British Columbia, Member

Dr. Laurel J. Trainor, McMaster University, Member

2023 - Current, McMaster University

McMater Baby Lab, Graduate Researcher

Principal Investigator: Dr. Gabriel (Naiqi) Xiao

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2021 - 2023, Columbia University

M.A. in Applied Linguistics

GPA: 3.92/4.00, Advisor: Dr. Howard A. Williams

Thesis: Enacting authority as an older sibling

— Finalist for Best M.A. Paper Award

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2022 - 2023, Cornell University

Cornell B.A.B.Y. Lab, Research Assistant

Principal Investigators: Drs. Michael Goldstein & Steven Elmlinger

2022 - 2023, New York University

NYU Play and Language Lab, Research Assistant

Principal Investigator: Dr. Catherine Tamis-LeMonda

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2017 - 2021, Wuhan University

B.A. in English

Highest Honor, GPA: 3.94/4.00​

Honors Thesis: Awareness and endeavor in multicultural American classes: An exploration of the solutions to equity problems from the perspective of quality teacher education

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2021 - 2023, Columbia University

Principal Investigator: Dr. Carol Hammer

Contact Information

Department of Psychology
Faculty of Science

1280 Main Street West

Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4K1

liu2246@mcmaster.ca

905-818-0329

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© Rachel Xinyang Liu

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