The human brain undergoes extraordinary changes during childhood, and these changes lay the foundation for learning. My work has been dedicated to understanding how these developmental processes shape reading and language abilities.

Using advanced imaging tools, we have been able to observe how white matter pathways in the brain mature and how these changes correlate with reading proficiency. This has provided us with a clearer picture of what successful learning looks like at the neural level.

But perhaps more importantly, it has helped us identify when and where things diverge. For children who struggle with reading, these differences are not random—they are measurable, predictable, and, in many cases, addressable.

This knowledge allows us to design interventions that are both timely and effective. It also challenges outdated assumptions about intelligence and learning ability.

Receiving this award is a moment of reflection, but also a call to continue pushing the boundaries of what we know about the brain.