Research Areas

Above, see photos from Spring 2023 in the Action & Brain Lab!

Experience-dependent neuroplasticity is the idea that through various forms of experience (physical movement, visual observation), neural processes are reorganized and reshaped. In our lab, we particularly study these phenomena as they relate to signed languages. 

How does the continuous use of a 3D spatial language affect spatial cognition? Or, how does the experience of deafness shape one's experience of other types of spatial situations? Our lab has demonstrated a positive relationship between ASL proficiency and mental rotation skill, and other work in this are concerns spatial navigation. 

Our lab has been continuously funded since 2018 to develop and test a virtual reality system in which users learn ASL from signing avatars. For more information about this project please see Signing Avatars & Immersive Learning.