Who We Are

The Education and Brain Sciences Research Lab investigates learning disabilities, communication and cognitive disorders, and genetic disorders. We aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders by combining findings from neurobiological, behavioral, and educational perspectives. Clinical services are also available through the Education and Brain Research Lab’s affiliation with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Reading Clinic.

Research Initiatives

Our research projects investigate the educational and neurobiological underpinnings of reading disabilities in adolescents. This collaborative research effort encompasses affiliations with the Haskins Laboratories; University of Maryland, College Park; Ohio State University; and Educational Testing Service. Most of our educational research projects are funded by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) grants.

Who We Serve

We work with children between the ages of 8 and 17. Most of our testing is conducted at Vanderbilt University, but for some research projects we will go out and conduct testing in schools and communities. We also do some work with adults in order to compare their cognitive abilities and brain activation patterns to those of children.

Our Team

Our team comprises faculty-level research scientists, Masters- and bachelors-level team members, and other professionals in the fields of education, psychology, and neuroscience.

Laurie Cutting, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator