The role of social spaces in how we learn vocal communication
Official title: The role of sociospatial exploration in the development of vocal communication
Funded at New Jersey Institute of Technology · NIH-11425021 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study explores how moving and talking skills develop together in early life, using a bird model to understand how space and speech influence language development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Jersey Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $188,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM166763-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425021 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with or at risk for developmental communication delays and caregivers who can participate in observation-based activities or interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Children without language development concerns or those not engaging in movement-based communication strategies may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how the way a child or a bird moves through space interacts with how they vocalize and communicate. Researchers will use a songbird model to study how exploring social space affects flexible vocal behavior. The findings could inform interventions aimed at helping children with language delays develop stronger communication skills by guiding sociospatial experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to support language development in children who have communication delays.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animal models suggests movement and vocal exploration influence communication flexibility, supporting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bruno, Julia Hyland — New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Bruno, Julia Hyland
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.