Symposium: “Unlocking the Puzzle of the Brain and Reading” to be Held on 3/7

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Feb. 24, 2015 - PRLog -- The Center for Literacy Enrichment, a division of the School of Education at Pace University, will host a research symposium called “Unlocking the Puzzle of Reading and the Brain” on March 7, at 1 Martine Avenue in White Plains, NY.

The symposium will convene educators, parents, administrators, scientists, researchers, psychologists, guidance counselors, and more. It will focus on advances in brain research as it relates to reading, learning, and the difficulties associated with them, including dyslexia and ADHD, and understanding the principles of brain organization. The event is co-sponsored by the School of Education at Pace University, Burke Medical Research Institute, and Sleepy Hollow School District.

Presenters include Joanna A. Christodoulou, EdD and Tracy M. Centanni, PhD, both from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT. Presentation topics will include the link between the brain and reading; genetics as it relates to learning and language impairments like dyslexia; current research in this area, and a sneak peek into future research.

The symposium was created by Sr. St. John Delany, PhD, Director of The Center for Literacy Enrichment, after observing a general lack of understanding between why children struggle academically and what goes on in their brains when they learn.  “I see children every day who want to read, but who lack strategies for decoding, or who do not have the necessary concept to make them competent readers,” she said.  “Parents, teachers, and administrators struggle to try to reach these young minds, but don’t know how,” she continued.  “This symposium will help them understand the connection between their brain and their thought process, and how genetics is affecting it.”

Christodoulou, who received her EdD from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. She completed her doctoral training at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Human Development and Psychology. Christodoulou leads the Brain, Education, and Mind (BEAM) Team to conduct research examining the brain-behavior dynamics underlying reading development and difficulties. She holds affiliations at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Centanni is a postdoctoral researcher in the Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA. She completed her doctoral training at the University of Texas at Dallas in Cognition and Neuroscience. Centanni’s research involves bridging the gap between rodent models and the human condition to study the neurological and genetic basis of language and reading disorders.

The cost for the event is $35. Tickets can be purchased HERE (https://www.squadup.com/events/unlocking-the-puzzle-of-th...) or by calling (914) 422-4135. Follow the event on social media with the hashtag #CLEPace.

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About The Center for Literacy Enrichment

Founded in 1972, The Center for Literacy Enrichment (www.thecenterforliteracy.com or www.pace.edu/literacy) offers a variety of programs for children and parents throughout the year, including homework help, one-on-one and group tutoring in literacy, math, science, and ELL, writing and reading workshops, special events, a summer literacy program, and much more.  The Center for Literacy Enrichment is a division of the School of Education at Pace University.  Located at Pace University’s Law School at 78 North Broadway in White Plains, the Center for Literacy Enrichment is staffed by certified teachers.

About Pace University

Pace University is a comprehensive, independent University with campuses in New York City and Westchester County. Nearly 14,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the Lubin School of Business, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, School of Education, School of Law and College of Health Professions. http://www.pace.edu