The National Science Foundation (NSF) granted Dr. Jackie Nelson  $593,756 for her research project on LangDiv: Contextual Impacts on Family Language Environments and Child Language Acquisition. This project supports research into how everyday family environments influence early language development. This research project focuses on understanding how family stress and unity shape the language experiences of young children, a key factor in long-term academic success and overall well-being.

While previous studies have examined child language in controlled settings, The research in Dr. Nelson’s project addresses how natural home interactions affect language acquisition. Her team will examine current data from 100 families and conduct new observations in 50 multigenerational households. The main goal is to develop a generalizable theory linking environmental contexts to language exposure and skills. Outcomes of this project include strategies to support children’s language development and improved educational readiness. Dr. Nelson’s project will also advance research in Psychology.