Little Learners Lab

CNN has recently posted an article on research conducted by our very own doctoral student, Margaret Shavlik, about book preferences in children. Check it out!

Children prefer storybooks that teach them how and why the world works, study says A new study finds that children prefer storybooks that teach them how the world works, suggesting such content may be more engaging and could help motivate a child to read.

Are you interested in participating in research studies but do not want to leave your home? ChildrenHelpingScience.com has a solution! This is a space where researchers from all over the world can post online studies, and families from all over the world can find them! Especially during this time when many people are sheltering in place, this could be a wonderful way for families to do fun activities and for researchers to advance science. Check it out!

Which science activities will YOUR family choose to do today? Our online research studies are from universities across the world. They are fun for families, and serious for science! Find out more at ChildrenHelpingScience.com

Happy Holidays from the Little Learners Lab!

✩ RA Spotlight: Alexis Pramberger✩

Meet Alexis!

Alexis is a Junior from Great Neck, NY, and is studying Child Development and Psychology, with a minor in American Studies. She is about to begin her honors thesis, looking at imposter syndrome and the efficacy of mini interventions based on neural patterns. On campus, she is involved with VUcept, the Mental Health Roundtable, VPAC, and VOB! Additionally, Alexis likes to help out with childcare while working at the Metro Nashville Family Safety Center.

✩ RA Spotlight: Teresa Adenaike✩

Meet Teresa!

Teresa is a fourth-year student from Gallatin, Tennessee.
She is double majoring in MHS with a concentration in health sciences and Child Development. She is pursuing a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner and is interested in the educational and health outcomes of children in various environments and cultures. Outside of the lab, she enjoys dog-walking, volunteering around Nashville, and playing the clarinet. She is also involved in Alpha Phi Omega, Lyrical Movements, and Best Buddies here on campus!

"I joined the lab, because I am interested in learning what methods are currently being used to help bridge the gap between high SES and low SES children."

✩ RA Spotlight: Jong Eun Jung✩

Meet Jong!

Jong is a freshman from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. She is in Peabody College majoring in Human and Organizational Development and Computer Science. Outside of the lab, she enjoys writing articles for the student newspaper and creating designs with Photoshop. She is also involved with Peabody Bridges and UNICEF.

“I joined the lab because I enjoy working with children and I would like to understand how their cognitive skills develop. In addition, I am interested in educational policy, and I believe that understanding the process of research is important for this field.”

One of our research assistants had a great time at Nashville's 2019 Baby Fair with the Vanderbilt Child Studies Group meeting parents, children, and families and telling them about our current projects!

✩ RA Spotlight: Ariacella DelGrande✩

Meet Ariacella!

Ariacella is a second-year from Albuquerque, New Mexico, pursuing a double-major in Psychology and Child Development and a minor in Theater. She is passionate about adolescent mental health and development and is interested in pediatric linguistic development, particularly dual-language acquisition. Other Vanderbilt organizations she is involved with include Vanderbilt Off Broadway, Vanderbilt University Concert Choir, and the McGill Project. When asked why she joined the lab, Ariacella said, “I’m fascinated by children’s educational and emotional development. Plus, we have an adorable lab dog!” This summer Ariacella will be working on a project for the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Summer Program (VUSRP), investigating how parent input affects child world learning.

Are you a parent?
Vanderbilt Child Studies Group needs your help!

✩ RA Spotlight: Gloria Choi✩

Meet Gloria!

Gloria is a third-year student from Schaumburg, IL, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Studio Arts. She joined the lab to learn more about child development and psychology research and is specifically interested in how socioeconomic status and bilingual households effect pediatric linguistic development. Outside of the lab, Gloria volunteers at the Monroe Children Hospital and is a member of the Philippines Intercultural Student Organization. This summer she will be staying in Nashville to work for Vanderbilt Summer Academy as a Residential Proctor.

✩ RA Spotlight: Toby Irenshtain ✩

Meet Toby!

Toby is a second-year student from New York, NY, studying Child Development and Psychology, with a minor in History. She is involved with a number of organizations on campus, including First Year Honor Societies, Dores for Israel, FirstVU, and Peabody Bridges. Toby, along with some of her fellow RAs, also runs a science club at Safe Haven Family Shelter! Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, babysitting, and doing flying trapeze.

“I joined the lab because of my interest in how kids learn and grow over time through formal and informal learning environments.”