How early experiences affect brain development and learning skills
Official title: The neurodevelopmental mechanisms linking environmental experience and executive function
Funded at Smith College · NIH-10901861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a child's home life and family situation can affect their thinking skills and brain development, focusing on kids aged 6 to 7, to find ways to help all children learn better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Smith College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northampton, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $247,489 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD099203-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 6-7 years from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who are currently attending school.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 6-7 years or not currently in a school setting may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how socioeconomic status and early environmental experiences influence the development of executive function and the prefrontal cortex in children. By examining the home environments of children aged 6-7 years, the study aims to identify specific factors that contribute to cognitive development and academic success. It utilizes innovative observational methods, cognitive assessments, and advanced imaging techniques to explore the connections between caregiver interactions and brain development. The goal is to develop strategies that can enhance learning outcomes for children from diverse backgrounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that improve cognitive skills and academic achievement in children from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of environmental factors on cognitive development, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Smith College
Northampton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosen, Maya — Smith College
- Study coordinator: Rosen, Maya
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.