Ph.D. Candidate, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience
Ph.D. Candidate, Concentration in Cognitive Science
Research Interests: Early experience, development of hemispheric lateralization, sign language, deafness, cognitive neuroscience, cross-modal plasticity
Advisors: Elissa Newport, PhD; Anna Greenwald, PhD
Rotations: Peter Turkeltaub, MD, PhD
Prior Education: University of Rochester, Brain and Cognitive Sciences (B.A.), American Sign Language (B.A.)
Carolyn is a PhD student at the Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery. Her research uses fMRI to investigate the development of hemispheric lateralization in young children, and to explore how early experiences, specifically the interplay between sign language, cognition, and deafness, inform our understanding of the brain. Carolyn is passionate about expanding and reframing models of neural development and organization to include underrepresented populations, and fostering inclusive research spaces that prioritize accessibility. Outside of the lab, Carolyn enjoys hiking with her dog, Addie, cooking, playing pickleball, and spending time with her nephew (who is also her favorite model of cognitive development).