Development of Cerebral Lateralization Project

The Development of Cerebral Lateralization Project at the Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery is directed by Professor Elissa L. Newport and includes researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University. 

It is well-known that in most adults, the left side of the brain is specialized for language processing, while the right side is responsible for visual-spatial abilities. This is called “cerebral lateralization.” However, this division of functions to different sides of the brain may be much weaker, or even absent, in young children. So, when during childhood do these functions begin to lateralize?

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we look at which areas of the brain are active for different spatial and language tasks, and how this changes across development. We have worked with both children (ages 4-12) and adults (18+) in this paradigm. By better understanding the foundations of brain lateralization, we hope to gain new insights into the possible mechanisms underlying this process in the young mind and brain.

Development of Cerebral Lateralization Team

Dr. Elissa Newport

Dr. Barbara Landau

Dr. Anna Greenwald

Avery Kaye

Dr. Trevor Day

Dr Carolyn Gershman

Interested in Participating?

Our research is made possible by families in the Washington, D.C., area who choose to participate in our study. We recruit children ages 4 to 12 to participate in this study. If you and your child might be interested, please fill out our online interest form or send us an email (kidlatcbpr@gmail.com) with questions.

We look forward to working with you!

Funding Sources

Our work is supported by NSF grants BCS 2318608 to Johns Hopkins University and BCS 2318609 to Georgetown University.