How does language support learning to read?

The Marks Lab at Purdue University is led by Dr. Rebecca Marks. Housed in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, we use behavioral and neuroimaging approaches to study individual differences in language, learning, and brain development.

Our research explores the connections between spoken language skills and reading acquisition across children with diverse learning needs. In another line of work, we investigate how educational interventions impact literacy development. The ultimate goal of this research is to inform educational practices and improve academic outcomes for vulnerable learners. 

Research

How does the brain change as children learn to read?

How are learning differences like dyslexia reflected in the brain?

We use a combination of neuroimaging and behavioral methods to study language and reading mechanisms across diverse learners. Our research explores the connections between morphological awareness and reading acquisition, particularly in children with dyslexia and ADHD.

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Nutrition Fitness Health Research

Recent Events

Dr. Marks delivered the keynote address at the 2025 New England Research on Dyslexia (NERDY) conference. She spoke about co-occurring difficulties in reading, math, and attention.

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Nutrition Fitness Health Research

Connect With Us

While the Marks Lab is not currently accepting undergraduate research assistants, feel free to email us at marks95@purdue.edu to learn more about language development and morphology!

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