Mercedes Spencer, PhD
Principal Investigator
(she/her/hers)
Dr. Mercedes Spencer, PhD, is the principal investigator of the Reading, Education, and Development (READ) Laboratory and is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University. She earned her PhD in Psychology from the Florida State University and completed her postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University.
Broadly, Dr. Spencer’s research focuses on the cognitive-behavioral correlates of reading development and associated difficulties. Her research aims to identify early indicators of reading comprehension difficulties to better predict and prevent future reading problems in children. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Outside of work, Dr. Spencer enjoys reading novels, watching films, and spending time outdoors.
LAB MEMBERS
LAB PERSONNEL
Hee Yeon Kim (she/her/hers)
Project Coordinator
Hee Yeon Kim, Project Coordinator at the READ Laboratory and music faculty member at The Musical Offering and NorthShore PianoForte, is a passionate educator committed to serving her community. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Indiana University, and East Carolina University and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her roles. She seeks to positively impact her community through her work in music education and research. Outside of work, she enjoys bouldering and volleyball.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Eni Egedigwe (she/her/hers)
Undergraduate
Eni Egedigwe is a student studying neuroscience at Northwestern University. She has dedicated her academic journey to understanding the complexities of the human brain and mind, particularly in children and adolescents. Her goal is to combine my passion for neuroscience with her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young individuals and their families. Outside of work, she loves to run, work out, and watch movies with her friends!
LAB ALUMS
Karyme Hernandez, Early Research Experience Award Recipient
Sherry Huang, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Jiyoon Kim, Graduate Student
Lynette Suk, Early Research Experience Award Recipient
