People

Lab Director

Inge-Marie Eigsti

Professor Inge-Marie Eigsti, PhD

Professor Inge-Marie Eigsti, PhD

Department of Psychological Sciences
Co-director, Cognitive Neuroscience of Communication-Connecticut Training Grant
Director of Research, Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences

Dr. Eigsti is interested in finding links between social communication difficulties in autism spectrum disorder, and mechanistic processes in the brain, by examining low-level cognitive processes such as working memory and auditory processing that can be linked to genetic, neurophysiological or neuroanatomical domains. The aim is to better understand autism at multiple levels: molecular (genetic),  neurofunctional (brain imaging), and behavioral (symptomatology).  Dr. Eigsti received a dual Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Cognitive Science from University of Rochester in 2001.

Current CV.  See Research and Publications page for downloads/pdfs.

Office: Bousfield

Contact: inge-marie.eigsti (AT) uconn.edu

 

Lab Manager

Jhanvi Parikh

Jhanvi Parikh is Project Coordinator on the ASD Long-Term Outcomes Study (ALTOS). jhanvi.parikh@uconn.edu, altos@uconn.edu

Postdoctoral Fellows

caroline.larson(at)uconn.edu

Caroline Larson, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychological Sciences

Dr. Larson's research focuses on relationships between language and other cognitive factors in children with language disorders, including Developmental Language Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder, with the long-term goal of improving differential diagnosis and treatment. She will be joining the faculty at the University of Missouri.

teresa.girolamo(at)uconn.edu

Teresa Girolamo, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychological Sciences

Dr. Girolamo just joined the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences department at San Diego State University. She directs the Brain, Environment, and Language Lab (BELL), which focuses on how individual differences in language, together with environmental influences, shape life outcomes for racially and ethnically minoritized autistic individuals. She uses behavioral methods and functional near-infrared spectroscopy, as well as community-based participatory approaches. The long-term objective of this work is to translate longitudinal knowledge into community-based supports. She will be joining the faculty at San Diego State University.

Grad students

mackenzie.stabile(at)uconn.edu

Mackenzie Stabile (2017)

Mackenzie’s research focuses on pragmatic language use in ASD, with a particular interest in the extent to which differences influence communicative quality during naturalistic social interactions. Her research examines the role of lexical alignment in communicative success during social problem-solving in ASD. Ultimately, she hopes that this research will both inform interventions and improve outcomes for individuals on the spectrum. Mackenzie, currently on internship, will complete a postdoc at Brown University.

Publications
Benczkowski, T., Kostoroski, C., Stabile, M., & Holler, K. (2020). The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in an inpatient adolescent sample. Adolescent Psychiatry10(4), 289-299.

Eigsti, I. M., Thomas, R. P., Stabile, M., Mohan, A., Dieckhaus, M. F. S., Crutcher, J., Taverna, E., & Fein, D. A. (2022). Online administration of the ADOS for research with adolescents and adults in response to the pandemic. Autism Res, 15(10), 1909-1916. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2791

Patra, A., Traut, H., Stabile, M., & Middleton, E.L. (2022). Effortful retrieval practice effects in lexical access: A role for semantic competition. Language, Cognition, and Neuroscience, 37(8), 948-963. https://doi.org/10.1080/23273798.2022.2027991.

Stabile, M. & Eigsti, I.M. (2022). Lexical alignment and communicative success in ASD. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 15(10), 1909-1916. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2791

Yantz, C.L. & Stabile, M. (2022). Overcoming some challenges of transitioning from clinical practice to psychology training leadership in mid-career. APTC Bulletin, 12-13,  https://aptc.org/images/File/newsletter/APTC_Newsletter_2022_FINAL.pdf.pdf

elise.taverna(at)uconn.edu

Elise Taverna (2018)

Elise's research interests broadly include the cognitive and environmental factors underlying language and social outcomes in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, as well as mechanisms of optimal outcomes in ASD. Previously, she worked with Sophie Molholm at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, coordinating neuroimaging studies of sensory processing and cognition in autism spectrum disorders and other conditions. Elise, currently on internship, will complete a postdoc at MGH.

Publications

Eigsti, I. M., Thomas, R. P., Stabile, M., Mohan, A., Dieckhaus, M. F. S., Crutcher, J., Taverna, E., & Fein, D. A. (2022). Online administration of the ADOS for research with adolescents and adults in response to the pandemic. Autism Res, 15(10), 1909-1916. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2791

Taverna, E. C., Huedo-Medina, T. B., Fein, D. A., & Eigsti, I. M. (2021). The interaction of fine motor, gesture, and structural language skills: The case of autism spectrum disorder. Res Autism Spectr Disord, 86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101824

Jason Crutcher
jason.crutcher(at)uconn.edu

Jason Crutcher (2018)

Before coming to UConn, Jason worked with Alex Martin at NIMH, studying how structural differences in the brain relate to abnormalities in language and social cognition for autistic individuals. His research interests include language dysfunction and the neural mechanisms underlying language abilities in autism.

Publications

Eigsti, I. M., Thomas, R. P., Stabile, M., Mohan, A., Dieckhaus, M. F. S., Crutcher, J., Taverna, E., & Fein, D. A. (2022). Online administration of the ADOS for research with adolescents and adults in response to the pandemic. Autism Res, 15(10), 1909-1916. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2791

Larson, C., Thomas, H. R., Crutcher, J., Stevens, M. C., & Eigsti, I.-M. (2023). Language Networks in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review of connectivity-based fMRI studies. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-023-00382-6

hannah.2.thomas(at)uconn.edu

Hannah Thomas (2020)

Hannah's research interests include the neural mechanisms underlying language development in ASD as well as the neural and behavioral presentations of comorbidities in autism (e.g., anxiety, ADHD). Before joining UConn, Hannah worked with So Hyun “Sophy” Kim at Weill Cornell Medicine on studies of predictors of school readiness in kindergarteners with autism, and the neuronal and behavioral correlates of ASD and ADHD.

Publications

Kim, S.H., Buzzell, G., Faja, S., Choi, Y.B., Thomas, H.R., Brito, N. H., Shuffrey, L.C., Fifer, W.P., Morrison, F., Lord, C., & Fox, N. (In press). Neural dynamics of executive function in cognitively-able kindergarteners with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as predictors of concurrent academic achievement. Autism.

Larson, C., Thomas, H. R., Crutcher, J., Stevens, M. C., & Eigsti, I.-M. (2023). Language networks in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of connectivity-based fMRI studies. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-023-00382-6

Lee., K.S., Chung, S.J., Thomas, H.R., Park, J., & Kim, S.H. (2019). Exploring diagnostic validity of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) in South Korean toddlers and preschoolers. Autism Research, 121356-1366.

rebecca.canale(at)uconn.edu

Rebecca Canale (2021)

Rebecca (Becca)'s research interests include the cognitive and environmental factors underlying language and communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Previously, she worked with Richard Aslin at Haskins Laboratories (Yale University), coordinating behavioral and neuroimaging studies of language processing in neurotypical infants, children, and adults. Her MS project examines the interaction of higher-order cognitive processes and gesture abilities in youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Publications

Canale, R. (2022). The importance of statistical learning. Nature Reviews Psychology, 1, 68. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-021-00010-2

Girolamo, T., Butler, L., Canale, R., Aslin, R. N., & Eigsti, I. M. (2023). fNIRS studies of individuals with speech and language impairment underreport participant sociodemographics: A systematic review. Neuropsychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-023-09618-y (Preregistration doi: 10.31234/osf.io/akrcp)

McMurray, B., Sarrett, M. E., Chiu, S., Black, A. K., Wang, A., Canale, R., & Aslin, R. N. (2022). Decoding the temporal dynamics of spoken word and nonword processing from EEG. Neuroimage, 260, 119457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119457

gabrielle.michel(at)uconn.edu

Gabrielle Michel (2022)

Before coming to UConn, Gabrielle worked with Drs. Dwight Dickinson and Karen Berman at NIMH, studying cognition and genetics in Williams syndrome and schizophrenia. She also conducted neuropsychological testing with these populations. Gabrielle’s research interests include language development, social communication, and sign language use in autism spectrum disorder. She is also interested in accessible and parent-mediated interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders.

The lab (2019)

DCNlab2019

The lab (2019)

Lab zoom (2020)

Lab zoom (2020)

Lab zoom (2020)

Lab bowling 2014

Lab bowling 2014

The lab goes bowling (2014)

bowling2015-1

bowling2015-1

The lab bowls (2015)

CALL Lab (2023)

CALL Lab (2023)

CALL Lab (2023)

INSAR (2023)

INSAR (2023)

INSAR (2023)

Undergraduate Lab Members

2021-2022 Margaux Acorda

Aditi Sirsikar

Karina Patel

Amanda Yagan

Chinedu Nwko

2022-2023 Karina Patel

Marissa Birmingham

Olivia Kapustka

Talia Szozda

Alyssa Daniels

Alexis Trojahn

2023-2024  Marissa Birmingham

Karina Patel

Malak Nechnach

Chloe Kardoos

David Gyamfi

Rachael Roizer

Wilfred Wisdom

2020-2021 Margaux Acorda
Jacey Anderson
Aditi Sirsikar
2014-2015 Parah Shah (Pre-med)
Didem Ozcan (PNB/Bio)
Morgan Smith (pre-med)
Ryan Morris (Pre-med)
2009-2010 Caitlin Dombrowski: (Honors) UConn, Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology
Jose Casares: Teachers College/Columbia University, Counseling Psychology
Danielle Loughrey
Liz Tzatkin: Research Assistant
Kathryn Post: Research Assistant
Juliana Hartley: Teach for America (Honors); MA student in Speech-Language Pathology at Univ New Hampshire
2019-2020 Klaudia Ptaszek
Harkaran Dhillon
Jacey Anderson
Aditi Sirsikar
Summer 2014 Molly Waterhouse (Syracuse University)
Griffen Burrows (Wheaton College)
2008-2009 Justine Marsh: Practicing Speech-Language Pathologist, CT
Ashley Lepack
Terry Gustafson: Pre-med
Lauren Long: Ph.D. program in Behavioral Neuroscience, UConn
2019-2018 Anusha Mohan
Ariana Caruso
Roisin Healy
Holly Labrecque
Regina Weissenberg
2013-2014 Emily Thompson (SURF grant, Honors Program)
Katy Piotrowski (Honors Program)
2007-2008 Jessica St. Pierre
David Roy
David Morrow
Heather Washburn
Kim Markoff
Kim Hayhurst
Stefanie Riegler
2017-2018 Ariana Caruso
Holly Labrecque
Regina Weissenberg
Abigail Sapiro
Sindhu Dokuru (M.A., Healthcare Administration)
2012-2013 Christopher Andrade (Ling Major); English Teaching in Japan (JET Program)
Allison Fitch (Psych/Human Development): Ph.D. in Developmental and Brain Sciences at UMass Boston, 2012
Amanda Makol (Pre-med)
Emily Thompson (SLSH)
2006-2007 Kayla Marot
Mark Rogalski
Melissa Martinez
Corey Alexa
Tuhina Joseph
2016-2017 Parah Shah (pre-med)
Snigdha Wadhwa (pre-med)
Sindhu Dokuru (pre-med)
Tanya Rao (pre-med)
Caitlin Emmett (SLHS)
Meghan Robitaille (SLHS)
2011-2012 Christopher Andrade (Ling Major)
Allison Fitch (Psych/Human Development): Ph.D. in Developmental and Brain Sciences at UMass Boston, 2012
Amanda Makol (Pre-med)
Emily Thompson (SLSH)
Bonnie Stas
2005-2006 Lauren Czepizak
Cara Orazietti
Judith Shulman
Stephanie Ceniccola
2015-2016 Parah Shah (pre-med)
Morgan Smith (pre-med)
Ryan Morris (pre-med)
Snigdha Wadhwa (pre-med)
Sindhu Dokuru (pre-med)
Molly Waterman (IGERT Program Assistant)
Jessa Sahl (post-bac RA in the lab of Bonnie Nozari at Johns Hopkins)
2010-2011 Elira Fifo, 2010
Danielle Daley (Honors)
Kaitlin De Yoe (Honors, SURF award)
Karissa Burgess
Sonia Altavilla
Abby Morriso
2004-2005 Nojan Bakhtiari (pre-dental)
Lisa Cataudella
Jessica Bennett
Kelly Chang

 

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

 

Solène Jaspard (2023), Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels. Supported by a Belgian-American Educational Foundation award. Her PhD project focuses on the effect of input variability on word learning in autism

photo of Marielle Weyland

Marielle Weyland (2022), Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels. Marielle Weyland is speech-therapist. She is currently a PhD student at Université Libre de Bruxelles within the ACTE project. Her research focuses on analyzing early vocal production of infant with high likelihood of ASD.

Irina Polyanskaya (2017): Roskild University, Denmark

Cecilia Brynskov (2010): Aarhus University, Denmark

Marthe Høppener (2013): Radboud Universiteit, Nijmegen

Katherine Mumford (2012), University of Birmingham, UK.

Lab Alumni

Jillian deGroot Schuh (Ph.D., 2011) Assistant Adjunct Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin; Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Catalpa Health, Appleton, WI
  Ashley de Marchena (Ph.D., 2013) Assistant Professor, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA Jessica Bean Jaworski (Ph.D., 2013) Instructor of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School; Neuropsychologist, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
Jessica Mayo (Ph.D., 2014) Assistant Professor of Clinical Child Psychology, Yale School of Medicine Christy Irvine Christina Irvine (Ph.D., 2016) Clinical Psychologist, Portland, Oregon Brian Castelluccio (Ph.D., 2018) Clinical Assistant Professor, Brown University Medical Center
Allison Canfield (Ph.D., 2018) Assistant Professor, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY Joshua Green (Ph.D., 2019) Clinical Psychologist, Saratoga Springs, NY
Anders Hogstrom
Anders Hogstrom (Ph.D., 2021)
Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Neuropsychology, North Shore University Hospital/Long Island Jewish Medical Center

Lab Output