Language & Mind Lab

My research seeks to unveil human nature and our intuitive understanding of it.

To shed light on human nature, I explore the human capacity for language using phonology as a case study. I examine whether phonology is constrained by abstract universal principles, and whether these principles are shared across language modalities—speech and sign. My approach is highly programmatic and interdisciplinary. I study diverse populations—adult speakers of multiple spoken languages, signed languages, children and infants—and a wide array of tools, ranging from behavioral experiments to brain methods.

A recent line of research asks how laypeople reason about human nature. My lab examines how our core intuitive knowledge shapes how we reason about what we know and who we are.

Paula Sefia is a junior at Northeastern University studying Computer Science and Cognitive Psychology in the John Martinson Honors Program. A New Jersey native, Paula is interested in the intersection between human judgment and quantitative analyses, and her dream is to pursue a career in Human and Computer Interaction. In her free time, she loves to play board, card, puzzle, and video games, write screenplays, pretend to be a photographer, and cook for her family.

My name is Rahil Badkul and I am a fourth-year student studying Computer Science and Cognitive Psychology. I’m excited to join the Language and Mind lab as a lab manager. I am also researching linguistic generalizations of LLM’s, revealing information about the innateness of language specific mechanisms in humans. My academic interests include machine learning, linguistics and neuromorphic technologies. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball, hiking, and reading.

Hi! I’m Emily, a first-year Computer Science and Behavioral Neuroscience major from just outside Kansas City. I’m interested in the nuanced relationship between those two disciplines, and understanding how linguistics and the cognitive sciences may influence or interact with that relationship – allowing us to draw both clinical and ethical conclusions. Outside of academics, I love thrifting, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. 

My name is Julia Halbreich, I am a second year psychology major on the pre-med track with a biology minor. I love to learn about human interaction and behavior, so I am very excited to join the language and mind lab. Aside from academics, I am on the rowing team and I love to read and listen to music.

Yotam Saban is a fifth-year pre-med student at Northeastern University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience. His research interests include addiction, dualism, the mind-body connection, and the nature of the human consciousness. Beyond his academic work, Yotam is the co-founder and co-president of NOEI (Naloxone Outreach and Education Initiative), an organization committed to educating the Northeastern and Boston communities on recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses.

Undergraduates at Northeastern University can join our lab as  volunteers or as part of Directed Study Research (PSYC 4991). The lab investigates human nature and our ability to reason about it. Responsibilities include recruiting participants, running participants in psychological experiments, and the preparation of experimental materials.

There is a required commitment of 7-9 weekly hours for 3 credits, including a weekly lab meeting (on Thursday, 3-4 pm).  A strong GPA and some background in computer science,  psychology of language, or cognitive psychology or linguistics are highly desirable. Preference is given to candidates who wish to enroll in research during both the fall and spring terms. Please contact Dr. Iris Berent.