Research lines

During the last 20 years, I’ve contributed to our understanding of the cognitive science of language through rigorous research in cognitive neuroscience. My work leverages a variety of methodological approaches, including psycholinguistic experiments and neuroimaging techniques (such as fMRI and EEG) to explore the intricacies of human cognition and language processing.

My research has been characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, drawing insights from linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience to address fundamental questions about how language and cognition interact. I’ve explored various aspects of reading, multilingualism, cognitive training and assessment, and the cognitive implications of digital technologies.

Through these diverse but interconnected lines of research, I continue to advance our understanding of the cognitive and neural foundations of language and cognition, not only contributing to theoretical debates in cognitive science and neuroscience but also with practical implications for education, language learning, and cognitive rehabilitation.

Main Research Topics

Reading: Investigating the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying reading, with a focus on word recognition, orthographic processing, and the effects of literacy on cognitive development. This line of research also examines how different scripts and languages impact reading strategies and outcomes.
Multilingualism: Exploring the cognitive benefits and challenges of bilingualism and multilingualism. This includes studies on language processing, language learning, and the impact of multilingual experience on cognitive flexibility and executive functions.
Cognitive Training: Designing and assessing cognitive training interventions aimed at enhancing various aspects of cognitive function, such as attention, memory, and executive control, particularly in educational and clinical settings.
Cognitive Assessment: Developing and validating tools for the cognitive assessment of individuals across the lifespan. This work aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and intervention effectiveness in educational psychology and neuropsychology.
Virtual Reality: Utilizing virtual reality technology to create immersive environments for the study of cognitive processes in realistic settings. This innovative approach is applied in research on spatial cognition, memory, and language learning.
Executive Functions: Investigating the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying executive functions, including inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. This research has implications for understanding developmental cognitive neuroscience and disorders of executive function.
Morphological Processing: Examining how the human brain processes and represents morphologically complex words, with implications for theories of language processing and learning.