About NL3

The Neuroimaging for Language, Literacy and Learning Laboratory (NL3) is a brain imaging research lab housed within the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders in the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The NL3 lab was founded in 2016 by Yingying Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor in special education and communications disorders, and includes a collaborative team of postdocs, doctoral students, graduate students and undergraduate students.

Our Research

We study the brain to better understanding language, literacy and learning processes. We are particularly interested in examining brain images to uncover links between children’s brain development and early learning.

We use non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques to study the structure and function of the brain. Brain images captured on a computer or shown on the screen help us detect specific areas of the brain that are “active” during a given task or process, such as reading.

Our research addresses learning challenges related to:

  • Hearing loss
  • Reading difficulties
  • Aging and cognition
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Other language, learning or communication disorders (Autism, Aphasia, etc.)

This research can reveal important information about:

  • Neural plasticity
  • Brain development
  • Brain-based factors that affect learning
brain imaging techniques

Our Goal

Our research goal is to advance our understanding of neural plasticity and brain development to support early intervention services and inform educational policies that will help optimize learning for all children.

Who is involved?

Our research participants include adults, as well as children and their families, who are interested in knowing how their brains work and contribute to their learning.

NL3 is now seeking volunteers to be part of this innovative research.

Be a participant!
Dr. Yingying Wang

History

In January 2016, Dr. Yingying Wang left Boston to join the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The Neuroimaging for Language, Literacy and Learning Laboratory was officially launched on Aug. 22, 2016.

The NL3 Wang lab focuses on improving our understanding of brain plasticity and brain development using various brain imaging techniques to study language, literacy and learning processes.

Support

The NL3 lab and its research would not be possible without the individuals and families who have chosen to partner with us on this important research. We deeply appreciate their participation, along with our funders:

NL3 lab undergraduate research assistantships are supported by UCARE, which is funded in part by gifts from the Pepsi Quasi Endowment and Union Bank & Trust.