Lauren M. McGrath

Lauren McGrath (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department and a licensed child clinical psychologist. She received her PhD in Child Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from DU. She directs the L.E.a.R.N. Lab at the University of Denver, which focuses on understanding strengths and challenges in children with learning differences and learning disabilities. This research encompasses difficulties with reading (dyslexia), math (dyscalculia), and writing (dysgraphia). Her work is currently focusing on mental health symptoms and attentional challenges that commonly co-occur in children with learning disabilities. Dr. McGrath’s work is funded by the National Institutes of Health, including as a current Principal Investigator with the Colorado Learning Disabilities Research Center, one of the NIH-funded, multi-site learning disabilities research programs.

Dr. McGrath’s research on learning informs her identity as a teacher-scholar. She uses cognitive science and universal design for learning (UDL) principles to guide her course design and pedagogical approaches. Her research expertise is closely aligned with the graduate courses she teaches in Cognitive Assessment and Developmental Neuropsychology and the undergraduate courses in Research Methods. As a clinical scientist, Dr. McGrath promotes the integration of evidence-based clinical practices with neurodiversity-affirming approaches in her work as a licensed clinical supervisor in the Center for Child and Family Psychology in the Psychology Department.