
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

2023 - 2025, McMaster University
M.S. in Developmental Psychology

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

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


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

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

2021 - 2023, Columbia University
Developing Language & Literacy Lab, Research Assistant
Principal Investigator: Dr. Carol Hammer