The focus of the Neurodevelopmental Diversity Language and Learning (NeuDLL or “noodle”) Lab is on the development of language, communication, and related skills in children. The mission of the NeuDLL Lab is to better understand individual differences in development, with consideration for the many factors that influence learning and change over time. These influences include what children already know, how they interact with the world, and characteristics of input around them. The goal of this research is to understand how children develop skills related to language and communication so that those skills may eventually be better supported to help children achieve their best. As a research team, we are a small community of researchers and students, working within the systems that have shaped society, research practices, education, and healthcare. We are dedicated to learning, with the ultimate goal of supporting children and their families.
About the Principal Investigator
Sara T. Kover, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the University of Washington. Dr. Kover’s expertise is in the area of language development in children, including those with developmental disabilities. Her research has also addressed the development of cognitive skills that support language acquisition, methodological issues in research on child language and developmental disabilities, well-being in families, commonalities and differences between fragile X syndrome and autism, and the assessment of language abilities in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Faculty Statement on Mentorship
Faculty members, researchers, mentors, and leaders have commitments to evaluate their roles in contributing to positive environments for learning. I am committed to listening, to learning, and to advocating in all realms of my professional activities. This involves self-reflection, accepting feedback without defensiveness, and recognizing the past. I am willing to lead difficult and uncomfortable conversations; to name out loud the injustices that I or others see; and to make the necessary changes to move the needle towards equity and excellence. As a faculty member, instructor, researcher, and collaborator, I aim to create space that allows others to achieve their goals. Mentorship is one of the greatest joys of this work. My mentorship practice is informed by the strong mentors that have supported me across phases of my career. As a mentor, I am accessible. I explain the research process and the context of our work. I offer opportunities to engage in a variety of ways that are meaningful to each individual. I do my best to empower others and resolve challenges. I encourage open communication, supportive feedback, opportunities for connection, team-based activities in the lab, and transparency around professional development. I value the unique identities that each person brings to the research team, and I value each person as an individual, not just as a collaborator, student, or researcher.
You may reach Dr. Kover at:
Speech and Hearing Sciences
University of Washington
(206) 543-7888
skover@uw.edu