Principal Investigator
Dr. Iris Berent, Ph. D.
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.
Curriculum Vitae
Lab Managers
Isabella Zakrzewski
I am Isabella Zakrzewski, from Staten Island, New York. I am a first-year student at Northeastern University studying Bioengineering and Behavioral Neuroscience. I’m drawn to the intersection of engineering, neuroscience, and psychology, where I hope to contribute to our understanding of how the brain works while developing technologies that can help people with neurological conditions and disorders. In my free time, I enjoy playing the viola and sewing.
Connor Howell
Connor (he/him) is a fifth year Business / Psychology student at Northeastern. He is interested in the intersection of business and the mind as it relates to organizational behavior. In his free time, he is an avid reader and at-home cook.
Research Assistants
Jamie Gabel
My name is Jamie Gabel and I am a fourth-year Behavioral Neuroscience and Philosophy major. I am very interested in the Language and Mind Lab’s exploration into dualism and monism. Outside of the lab, I love doing anything outdoorsy, crocheting, thrifting, and reading.
Anna Polakoff
Ioanna Damianov
Lucy Coleman
Willow Paradise
Willow (she/they) is second year a Psychology major pursuing a field in clinical work with adolescents. She is currently a mental health advocate through her roles as a supporter with NEU LeanOnMe and a Creative Writing Associate with CSDS. She enjoys guitar and video games in her spare time.
Sadie Strong
Caitlin Lee
I’m Caitlin (she/her) and I’m a first year studying Computer Science and Cognitive Psychology. I’m eager to explore how computer science blends with psychology, so I’m excited to be working with Dr. Berent and others! In my free time, I like to binge watch shows, go on walks, and try out new food places!
Zac Rasheed
My name is Zac Rasheed, and I am a third-year psychology major with minors in computer science and marketing! I am interested in many factors that drive human behavior, particularly in the field of consumer research. In my free time, you can find me reading, shopping for vinyl records, or perfecting my baked alaska recipe!
Sara Vasudev
Sidney Bricker
Chiara Haskell
Chiara is a fourth year Behavioral Neuroscience major from Boston on the PreMed track. Her co-op experiences working clinically in a local emergency department and in neurology clinical research have motivated her interest in dualism and the mind. Outside of the lab she loves to run, bake, and try new restaurants.
Open Positions
Research Assistant
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.