Research
Learn about our research, scholarly work, labs, and facilities here at the University of Alabama. In our program, doctoral students are required to participate in and conduct research, and faculty members work closely with doctoral students to help them complete their research requirements. Each doctoral student takes a number of research courses and seminars and is required to participate in ongoing research projects prior to dissertation. Using the buttons below, you can browse/filter by research interest/topic and methodology. You'll find a brief summary of each lab's focus in addition to a link to the lab's website.
For a listing of recent publications by our faculty and students, scroll to the bottom of this page.
If you're looking for info about the ESPRMC research pool, Click Here

Embodied Learning Design and Educational Neuroscience (ELDEN) Lab
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The Embodied Learning Design and Educational Neuroscience (ELDEN) Lab was founded in 2015 by Fırat Soylu. As the name implies, our work is within the newly emerging field of educational neuroscience. The current research in the ELDEN Lab mainly focuses on numerical cognition and mathematics learning, in addition to wider interests in STEM learning and computational modeling. We conduct behavioral, neuroimaging, and design-based investigations for our research. Our goals are to provide multi-level (e.g., neural, cognitive, socio-cultural) explanations for how learning occurs in STEM domains through both lab and classroom studies, to formulate learning-design heuristics, and to design computational tools for learning. Our approach to issues in STEM learning is framed by embodied and evolutionary theories of cognition, meaning that we consider how bodily systems ground cognition and how cognitive abilities have evolved through reuse of existing sensorimotor systems.

The Neuroscience of Education Research on Development (NERD) Lab
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The Neuroscience of Education Research on Development (NERD) Lab at the University of Alabama studies how the human brain supports learning across the lifespan by examining the neurobiology of language processing and acquisition. We use a variety of behavioral (eyetracking) and neuroimaging (EEG, fNIRS) methods to investigate how speech and gesture contribute to learning from childhood through adulthood in diverse populations.

Social, Emotional and Educational Neuroscience (SEED) Lab
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The Social, Emotional, and EDucational Neuroscience Lab at the University of Alabama College of Education, the SEED Neuroscience Lab, studies how to promote students' social, emotional, and motivational development in educational settings by utilizing various neuroscientific research methods, including but not limited to, functional MRI (fMRI), structural MRI, psychological intervention, and computer simulation methods. We conduct research projects focusing on moral development and education, growth mindset, and effective educational interventions promoting positive youth development.

Brain, Learning, and Education Lab (BLE)
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A description of the BLE Lab is coming soon! Please use the link below to access the BLE Lab website.

Alabama Cognitive Development (ABCD) Research Lab
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The ABCD Lab studies children's language development along with several other issues related to cognitive development more broadly. Our main questions usually grow out of three primary areas of interest: learning words, learning from others, and thinking about others. Descriptions of some of our ongoing or recent studies are available on our website.

Center for the Study of Ethical Development
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Our vision for the Center is that its work will make a real contribution to progress in the moral life and learning of American people. The Center was founded in 1982 by Professor James R. Rest and since then has inspired or conducted research with children of all ages and multiple professional groups. Historically, The Center has been defined by its multi-disciplinary approach and for developing methods for assessing and measuring ethical functioning and development.By undertaking and supporting high quality research, we aim to promote and reinforce an understanding and appreciation of moral ideals. In September 2018, the Center moved to larger premises within the University of Alabama and is now located in Capital Hall, Room 1619.