THE BABEL LAB

Fall 2023 - Present

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Luciana is a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in B.S. Neuroscience and Cognitive Science & B.A. Psychology, and minoring in Biochemistry. Her goals involve pursuing an MD/PhD in neurosurgery and research after graduation, or a PhD in neuroscience. She is a Spanish native speaker who wishes to expand her knowledge in terms of research analysis and writing, as well as learn more about the relationship between bilingualism in children and their learning! Outside the lab, she is a Nu Rho Psi Honor Society member, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Ambassador, and a member of the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Association of Students (NSCSAS). Besides academics, Luciana enjoys spending her free time working out at the gym or reading her favorite book at a coffee shop!

Fall 2023 - Present

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Isaac is a third-year undergraduate student at the UA majoring in neuroscience and cognitive science with a minor in public health and has intentions of applying to nursing school. Post-graduation, Isaac is hoping to apply to medical school or continue nursing at a higher level (DNP). During his time in the BABEL lab, he hopes to learn more about the relationship between speech-language pathology and its effect on bilingual children. Outside of lab, Isaac works on campus at the Campus Closet as a Student Director and is apart of the LOCKS Junior Honorary as the philanthropy chair. Beyond academics, Isaac enjoys going to concerts and trying new coffee shops across Tucson!

Fall 2023 - Present

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Andrea is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Arizona studying Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and French language, with a minor in Korean Language. She grew up with parents that spoke both English and Spanish and has been studying French since she was 7. During her time in the BABEL Lab, she hopes to explore language learning hinderances with multilingual children in science classroom settings, word order, and the effect of exposure to multiple languages at a young age. She currently works for the School of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures as an office assistant and as a research assistant for ArmedGov.

Fall 2023 - Present

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Amanda Feng is an undergraduate research assistant in the BABEL lab at the University of Arizona. She is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with minors in Chinese and Criminology. Through the BABEL lab, she hopes to gain knowledge about bilingualism through children and how it affects their neurological development in learning. Apart from the BABEL lab, she is a member and current intern for the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Association of Students (NSCSAS) club on campus. Her post-undergraduate plans are to pursue a PhD and attend graduate school in the UK. Apart from academics, she loves going to the gym. She wouldn’t consider herself a gym rat but definitely a gym mouse. She also loves going to hockey games, playing pickleball, playing volleyball, and trying out new foods.  

Spring 2024 - Present

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Priscila Diaz is a third-year student at the University of Arizona who is majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Public Health. She is the treasurer of the Latine Student Association and a general member of the Nepantla Student Association and the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. She is from Bullhead City, Arizona and grew up speaking English at school and Spanish at home. In her time with the BABEL lab she hopes to learn about how important it is to be bilingual given the myths in society. After undergrad she hopes to be accepted into the graduate program at the University of Arizona and become a speech pathologist.  

Spring 2024 - Present

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Noemi Durazo is a dedicated Undergraduate Research Assistant at the BABEL Lab, situated within the esteemed University of Arizona. Currently a senior, she is pursuing a major in Speech, Hearing, and Language Science, complemented by a minor in Psychology. As a native Spanish speaker, her primary research focus lies in unraveling the cognitive processes and advantages associated with children acquiring proficiency in multiple languages. 

In addition to her academic pursuits, Noemi is an avid enthusiast of various leisure activities. Outside the laboratory, she finds joy in spending quality time with friends and family. Her interests extend to the realm of entertainment, where she engages in video gaming, showcasing her multifaceted engagement with digital art.  

Spring 2024 - Present

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Melissa Romero (they/she) is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Arizona where they are studying for their Neuroscience & Cognitive Science major with an emphasis in language and communication sciences and their minor in Linguistics. As a Spanish-English bilingual, Melissa has goals of attending graduate school to apply herself as a Speech Pathologist to help underserved communities that do not have access to treatment in their Spanish language. Through the BABEL lab, Melissa aims to understand the internal mechanisms involved in bilingualism and its intersectional social aspects that contribute to education, determinants of life, and community. Melissa is also involved in the Dr. Kielar’s Language & Neuroimaging (LAN) Lab where she works with patients with aphasia and explores the neural dynamics involved in language processes through imaging methods. Off campus, Melissa works for Kids Up Reading Coaches, who is partnered with the YMCA, as a reading tutor. Outside of academia and work, Melissa is a booklover and a creative who works on multiple projects including sketching, embroidery, crochet, clay, and collage. On weekends, you can find them indulging in music shows from local artists, gallery exhibits, film events, and local flea markets.

Spring 2024 - Present

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Lindsey is a first-year undergraduate student studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences here at the University of Arizona. She is also minoring in Educational Psychology. Her long-term goals consist of attending graduate school to earn her Master’s Degree and pursue a career as a Speech Pathologist. Lindsey is interested in how bilingualism impacts speech development, as well as learning and problem-solving skills inside and outside of a classroom setting. Aside from academics, she likes to spend her free time with her friends and working out at the gym.