LEaRN Lab
In the L.E.a.R.N. Lab (Learning Exceptionalities and Related Neuropsychology), we focus on understanding strengths and challenges in children with learning differences and learning disabilities. Our work encompasses difficulties with reading (dyslexia), math (dyscalculia), and writing (dysgraphia). We are currently focusing on mental health symptoms and attentional challenges that commonly co-occur in children with learning disabilities.
Our cross-disciplinary approach integrates perspectives and methods from neuropsychology, child clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and special education. We seek to improve early identification and intervention for children with learning disabilities and to promote neurodiversity-affirming educational opportunities for all students.
Research
Our research integrates cross-disciplinary perspectives in order to improve early identification and intervention for children with learning and attentional challenges. We are conducting studies to investigate the brain, cognitive and developmental factors that contribute to risk and resilience in children with comorbidities. Our current work is focusing on the comorbidity of dyslexia with ADHD and anxiety.
Our research seeks to improve early identification and intervention for children with learning differences and learning disabilities. We are conducting studies to investigate cognitive and developmental factors that contribute to different patterns of strengths and challenges in children with learning disabilities. Our current work is focusing on the co-occurrence of learning disabilities with attentional challenges and mental health symptoms
Publications
Our work has been published in leading scientific journals focused on learning disabilities and child mental health.
People
Under the direction of Lauren McGrath, PhD, we work with doctoral students, undergraduate students and research assistants within our lab. Students gain expertise in the research and clinical aspects of developmental neuropsychology, working in cross-disciplinary projects across levels of analysis (i.e., genetic, neural, cognitive, behavioral) while pursuing a specific research question related to children's learning.
Under the direction of Lauren McGrath, PhD, we work with graduate students, undergraduate students, and research assistants within our lab. Students gain expertise in the research and clinical aspects of child neuropsychology while pursuing a specific research question related to children's learning.
LEaRN Lab Values
The LEaRN lab is committed to promoting neurodiversity-affirming educational opportunities for all students, spanning K-12 through higher education. We value the ways in which individuals' diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences contribute to this work. We believe that creating and nurturing an inclusive community is essential for generating and disseminating the best science.
As researchers who study learning, we appreciate different approaches and skills for tackling research questions and we embrace the ways that neurodiversity can enrich our approach to problem-solving. If you are passionate about the science of learning, you belong here.
We intentionally engage in collaborative dialogue with a broad range of community partners, including students, parents, educators, practitioners, and policy-makers. We value actively listening to the community to shape research questions, to respond to current needs, and to contribute to ongoing neurodiversity work.
Join the Lab
Undergraduate Students
We accept undergraduate research assistants in specific quarters on a rolling basis. If you are interested, please email us at learnlab@du.edu for more information on how to apply.
PhD Students
Lauren McGrath, PhD, will be reviewing PhD applications for fall 2027 admission. Please check our graduate program website for more information about the application process.
