Research Interests and Publications:

For several years we have employed psychophysics, electrophysiological (ERP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to study the development and plasticity of the human brain.  We have studied deaf and blind individuals, people who learned their first or second spoken or signed language at different ages, and children of different ages and of different cognitive capabilities. Over the course of this research we have observed that different brain systems and related functions display markedly different degrees or 'profiles' of neuroplasticity.  Some systems appear quite strongly determined and are not altered even when experience has been very different.  Other systems are highly modifiable by experience and are dependent on experience but only during particular time periods ("sensitive periods").  There are several different sensitive periods, even within a domain of processing.  A third 'plasticity profile' is demonstrated by those neural systems that remain capable of change by experience throughout life.

Guided by these findings, we have recently begun a program of research on the effects of different types of training on brain development and cognition in typically developing children of different ages.  These studies will contribute to a basic understanding of the nature of human brain plasticity.  In addition, they can contribute information of practical significance in the design and implementation of educational programs.

Selected Publications:

Stevens, C., Fanning, J., Coch, D., Sanders, L., and Neville, H. (2008).  Neural mechanisms of selective auditory attention are enhanced by computerized training: Electrophysiological evidence from language-impaired and typically developing children.  Brain Research, 1205:55-69.

Stevens, C., Lauinger, B. and Neville, H. (2009).  Differences in the neural mechanisms of selective attention in children from different socioeconomic backgrounds: An even-related brain potential study. Developmental Science 12(4):634-646.

Capek, C., Grossi, G., Newman, A.J., McBurney, S.L. Corina, D., Roeder, B. and Neville, H.J. (2009). Brain systems mediating semantic and syntactic processing of in deaf native signers: Biological invariance and modality-specificity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA, 106(21):8784-8789.

Stevens, C. and Neville, H. (in press).  Profiles of development and plasticity in human neurocognition. In M. Gazzaniga (ed), The Cognitive Neurosciences IV.

Fanning, J.L., Currin, J., Klein, S., and Neville H.J. (2009). Enhancing neurocognitive function in Head Start preschoolers: Comparing the efficacy of two attention-training programs. Society for Research in Child Development.

Stevens, C., Harn, B., Chard, D.J., Currin, J., Parisi, D., and Neville, H. (in press). Examining the role of attention and instruction in at-risk kindergarteners: Electrophysiological measures of selective auditory attention before and after an early literacy intervention. Journal of Learning Disabilities.