Early Language & Literacy Intervention & Education Lab
UCF Communication Sciences and Disorders
Overview
The Early Language & Literacy Intervention & Education (ELLIE) lab at UCF is dedicated to research focusing on strengthening the capacity of individuals working with young children who may experience language impairments and those considered at-risk. The ELLIE lab aims to conduct research to support young children’s language and emergent literacy skills through the use of evidence-based practices in naturalistic settings.
Meet Our Team
Director
Jacqueline Towson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Students
Ashlyn Bajalia
Lab Coordinator
Casper Fathi
Graduate Research Assistant
Janine LaGarenne
Graduate Research Assistant
Taylor Miller
Graduate Research Assistant
Kaleigh Davis
Research Assistant
Gionna DelBuono
Research Assistant
Hailey Gorman
Research Assistant
Lindsey Rothman
Research Assistant
Alyssa Zunic
Research Assistant
Selected Relevant Publications
Our laboratory makes a concerted effort to publish our findings in respected academic journals and present at regional, national, and international conferences. In addition to contributing to collective body of knowledge in a given field, presenting original data at conferences is a fun way for the lab’s students to enhance their self-confidence and network with other scientists.
- Towson, J. A., Taylor, M. S., Abarca, D. L., Donehower Paul, C., Ezekiel-Wilder, F. (2021) Effects of using mixed reality with coaching on the interprofessional communication skills of speech-language pathology graduate students. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_PERSP-20-00098
- Green, K.B., & Towson, J.A. (2020). Easy as 1, 2, 3, ABC: Integrating number sense and shared storybook readings. Young Exceptional Children. https://doi.org/10.1177/1096250620959660
- Mitchell, M.P.*, Ehren, B.J., & Towson, J.A. (2020). Collaboration in schools: Let’s define it. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2020_PERSP-19-00125
- Akemoglu, Y., Meadan, H., & Towson, J.A. (2020). Embedding naturalistic communication teaching strategies during shared book reading for preschoolers with developmental delays: A guide for caregivers. Early Childhood Education Journal, 48, 759–766. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-020-01038-4
- Towson, J.A., Taylor, M.S.*, Tucker, J., Donehower, C.*, Pabian, P., & Zraick, R.I. (2018). Impact of virtual simulation and coaching on the collaborative communication skills of speech-language pathology students: A pilot study. Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders, 2(2), 2. http://doi.org/10.30707/TLCSD2.2Towson
- Troche, J. & Towson, J.A. (2018). Evaluating a metric to predict the academic and clinical success of master’s students in speech-language pathology. Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders, 2(2), 7. http://doi.org/10.30707/TLCSD2.2Troche
- Green, K. B., Towson, J. A., Head, C.N., Smith, L., & Janowski, B. (2018). Facilitated playgroups to promote speech and language skills of young children with communication delays: A pilot study. Child Language Teaching and Therapy, 34(1), 37-52. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265659018755525
- Towson, J.A., Fettig, A., Fleury, V.P, & Abarca, D.* (2017). Dialogic reading in early childhood settings: A summary of the evidence base. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 37(3), 132-146. https://doi.org/10.1177/0040059920917694
- Towson, J.A., Gallagher, P.A., & Bingham, G.E. (2016). Dialogic reading: Language and preliteracy outcomes for young children with disabilities. Journal of Early Intervention, 38(4), 230-246. doi:10.1177/1053815116668643
- Towson, J.A., & Gallagher, P.A. (2016). Shared interactive reading for young children with disabilities: A review of literature with implications for future research. Baskent University Journal of Education, 3(1), 72-85.
- Towson, J.A., & Gallagher, P.A. (2016). Dialogic reading for young children with disabilities: A review of literature with suggestions for future research. Baskent University Journal of Education, 3(1), 58-71.
- Towson, J.A., & Gallagher, P.A. (2014). Training Head Start parents in dialogic reading to improve outcomes for children. International Journal of Child Health and Human Development, 7(3), 287-296.
Contact
The ELLIE Laboratory is located inside HS II. The lab is located on the first floor of the building inside the Communication Sciences and Disorders suite, room 107. Several handicap parking spots are available outside.
UCF Early Language & Literacy Intervention & Education Lab
Health Sciences II
4364 Scorpius St
Orlando, FL 32816