Research interests
My broad research aim is to understand the architecture of grammar from a biolinguistic viewpoint both synchronically and diachronically: throughout an individual’s life, across generations, and on an evolutionary timescale. As a phonologist who has a deep interest in syntactic theory as well, I am particularly concerned with integrating phonology into a Minimalist conception of the language faculty.
The research program explored in my forthcoming book involves rethinking the primitives of phonological representations & processes in light of what we know about phonology’s interface with morphosyntax, language acquisition, linguistic variation/change, and cognition in other domains/species. My recently completed experiments include investigations of phonological rule learning in both adults and infants using artificial learning paradigms.
Academic background
Postdoc, Linguistics department / Cognitive Neuroscience of Language Lab, University of Maryland, 2009-2011
Ph.D., Linguistics, Harvard University, 2009
Dissertation: The structure of phonological theory [PDF]
A.M., Linguistics, Harvard University, 2006
A.B., magna cum laude with highest honors in Linguistics, Harvard University, 2006
Thesis: Nothing to lose but their chains: rethinking vocalic chain shifting
Teaching
University of Maryland, 2010
- Linguistics 322 - Phonology II [Spring 2010; instructor]
- Linguistics 419E - Topics in Syntax: The Syntax/Phonology Interface [Fall 2010; instructor]
Harvard University, 2008-2009
Derek Bok Center Certificate of Distinction in Teaching, Fall 2008 & Spring 2009
- Linguistics 88 - Language & Cognition [head teaching fellow]
- Linguistics 97r - Major Themes in the Generative Era [instructor]
- Linguistics 98a - History of Linguistics [instructor]
- Social Analysis 34 - Knowledge of Language [teaching fellow]
Professional service
I am currently a member of the Biolinguistics editorial board, having served since its founding on the journal’s task team. I also maintain the journal’s affiliated blog and twitter. In the past few years, I have reviewed for Biolinguistics, Language Acquisition, Language Analysis, The Linguistic Review, and NELS.