The Cognitive Development Lab is a training ground for the next generation of developmental scientists. Under the mentorship of Dr. Hanako Yoshida, students at all levels—from first-year undergraduates to doctoral candidates—engage in hands-on, high-impact research that pushes the boundaries of how we understand the growing mind.

Our Research Goals
We seek to understand how children's continuous interaction with the world helps them to learn language. Developmental changes are imperative for children to succeed at such seemingly complex tasks, and we strive to recognize when these changes occur and exactly which cognitive factors are affected as a result. 

Our lab focuses on four primary factors of the learning environment:

• Context: How word mappings, social cues, and natural play scenes provide the framework for learning.
• Language Structure: Investigating how different languages (such as English, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese) shape the learning process. 
• Cognitive Environment: Comparing the developmental pathways of monolingual and bilingual learners.
• Physical Experience: Exploring the "embodied" side of language - does "giving" an object feel different than "receiving" one?

Students aren't just observers; they are active contributors to the scientific process. Whether you are interested in the biological signals of the brain or the social dynamics of language, you will find a supportive environment here to develop your expertise.

What You’ll Gain:

• Technical Mastery: Gain experience with EEG, ECG, and both head-mounted and computer eye-tracking systems.
• Neurodevelopmental Insights: Contribute to studies involving neurotypical children and those with a diagnosis or family history of autism.
• Mentorship: Receive direct guidance on research design, data analysis, and the path to graduate school or professional careers. 

Are you interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience? Learn more about joining our lab and the doctoral program here. 

Are you an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student looking to gain hands-on research experience? Discover how you can get involved with our team.