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Welcome
Thank you for visiting the NENS Lab webpage!
In the Numeracy and Educational Neuroscience (NENS) Laboratory, we investigate the impact of language experience on the cognitive and neural foundations of numeracy. The questions we ask relate to understanding how humans are able to process numerical information. How do children learn numbers and become proficient in arithmetical operations? However, we also investigate how the learning process and level of proficiency affect the brain networks supporting number and arithmetic processing. In the NENS lab, students have the opportunity to acquire a wide range of skills in neuroimaging methods such as fMRI and EEG, as well as with computer-based behavioral testing and standardized testing with adults and children.
This is the 25-26 NENS team!
Top from left to right: Claire Clark, Deanna Dunlop, Lusia Skjeveland, Belinda Toledo, Rowen Tramy, Dorothea Williams, Nicholle Bradach, Hollie Ottsen, Laine Silverman, Dr. Carolyn Gershamn, Dr. Ilaria Berteletti. Bottom from left to right: Gisella Visco, Anahit Tadevosyan, Alina Williamson, Alona Zfati, Kendal Jordan, and Bridget Lam.
Picture description: team picture with 2025 REU students on the front row, and the VL2 and PEN members on the second row.
NSF-funded REU: ASL-English Bilingual Cognitive and Educational Neuroscience Training and Research Experience - Summer 2025
This summer, the NENS lab welcomed Caitlin Pearson (San Diego State University) and Joselyn Xa-Chin (Vassar College) as part of their training with the research experience for undergraduate students at the ASL-English Bilingual CENTRE. We also welcomed Zaida Bowsher, a visiting scholar from the University of Chicago, who joined as a self-funded (Metcalf Scholarship) associate member. The three undergraduate students supported general lab-related tasks but, most importantly, led the creation of two fNIRS experiments, a numerical single-subject study investigating arithmetic processing and a hyperscanning paradigm investigating brain synchronicity, manipulating language and prior knowledge.
This REU was funded by an NSF award to Dr. Berteletti (PI) and Dr. Pizzie (co-PI) (DUE-2349454).
MCLS 2025 - Hong Kong
Dr. Berteletti presented some of the preliminary findings from the NSF-funded developmental project on how language experience and modality support the acquisition of early number concepts.
The Mathematical Cognition and Learning Society Conference was hosted at Gallaudet University!
June 26-28, 2024
The NENS lab, in collaboration with the Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience lab, hosted the MCLS conference. Almost 400 people from around the world attended the conference. Thanks to an NSF award (DRL-2348499), the conference was made fully accessible with ASL-English interpreters and live captions for the 4 parallel sessions. Interpreters were also available during all poster sessions, social events, and during breaks.
Besides the logistic preparation, Casey Spelman presented preliminary data on the longitudinal developmental study on how sign language supports early number concept acquisition in 3 to 5-year-old children (DRL ECR-1916524).
The NENS Lab was at MCLS in Antwerp!
June 1-3, 2022
The NENS lab had high visibility at the Mathematical Cognition and Learning Society's 2022 conference in Antwerp, Belgium from June 1-3. PEN graduate students Sarah Kimbley and Casey Spelman presented posters on their lab and dissertation research. Dr. Berteletti serves as the secretary of MCLS and also presented a talk that showcased data from the NENS lab on the neural underpinnings of arithmetic in Deaf early signers.
Find more information about our research projects and priorities.
The lab is always interested in welcoming motivated research assistants. If you are interested to join, contact us!
Interested in joining our paid studies? Please sign up to be added to our database and we will let you know when a study for you opens up!
Are you a parent looking for more information for your ASL signing child? Check out our For Parents tab for resources and links to other VL2 Center related webpages.
Are you a prospective graduate student and want to know more about the PhD Program in Educational Neuroscience? Please click here for more information about joining the program.
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