I am a PhD student in the Numerical Cognition Lab. I completed my Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta where I became interested in mathematical development while working in Dr. Jeffrey Bisanz’s lab.
My research focuses on how individual differences in mathematical skills are related to white matter integrity, measured by Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Specifically, I am interested in how white matter tracts support the acquisition of mathematical skills and how high- and low-achieving children differ in their white matter microstructures.
I am also conducting research on the acquisition of basic numeracy skills in preschool and kindergarten. While many programs have been developed to train early numeracy skills, few have been validated by empirical research. We are exploring whether there are measurable increases in mathematical knowledge following iPad training programs that are designed to improve basic number skills.