The LDES lab investigates linguistic theories and language learning processes through experimental methods, with a particular focus on morphosyntax. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students interested in child language development, second language acquisition, and heritage language acquisition.

We offer hands-on training in experimental and quantitative research methods, such as acceptability judgment tasks, picture description tasks, and picture selection tasks. 

We prioritize cross-linguistic research and are prepared to train students who wish to conduct experiments in fieldwork settings. Students working on any language are encouraged to join, including speaker-linguists and those focused on underexplored languages. 

Students in my lab, especially graduate students, are expected to develop their own research projects with my guidance, unless they were specifically recruited to support an ongoing project in the lab.

All students involved in research under my supervision are considered members of my lab. All lab members are expected to to attend weekly lab meetings and, if applicable, project-specific meetings.

Get Involved

Undergraduate Students

Current undergraduate students at the University of Iowa can get involved in the LDES Lab in two ways:

  • Pursue a student-led research project
  • Support ongoing lab work (as availability allows). 

Students are welcome to attend lab meetings even before committing to a project, as a way to explore their interests and learn more about the lab’s work. No prior research experience is required, though successful completion of linguistics courses, especially LING:3010, is highly desirable.

Minimum expectations for undergraduate lab members:

  • Register for 1 s.h. of LING:3195 Linguistics Lab
  • Attend weekly lab meetings and other lab functions regularly and on time and participate actively
  • Complete assigned readings and other preparatory tasks in advance of each meeting

Depending on your role, goals, and the status of your project, you may instead register for a different course (such as LING:4900 to pursue Honors in Linguistics or independent study courses through the Office of Undergraduate Research) or eligible for financial compensation (e.g., CLAS or OUR fellowships, or, if available, hourly employment).

Interested?

Please contact Dr. Nozomi Tanaka directly at nozomi [hyphen] tanaka [at] uiowa [dot] edu.

Graduate Students

Graduate students in the LDES Lab should have research interests or plans that align with the scope of the lab. They are expected to develop their own research projects with my guidance.

If you’re a prospective graduate student interested in joining the lab, please apply to the MA or PhD programs in Linguistics at the University of Iowa. Our MA program does not require a thesis, but students are encouraged to participate in research as preparation for PhD study and for professional development. You can find admissions information here. For questions about the lab or research opportunities, feel free to contact Dr. Nozomi Tanaka directly at nozomi [hyphen] tanaka [at] uiowa [dot] edu.