Current position
Scientific Editor & Coordinator, Ismagilov Lab, California Institute of Technology
Research interests
As a linguist, my foremost goal is to understand the architecture of grammar from a biological (“biolinguistic”) viewpoint on several timescales: throughout an individual’s life, across generations, and evolutionarily across species. More specifically, I work on the sound side of language (phonology) and how word/sentence structures (syntax & morphology) interact with sound structure. The framework I develop is distinctly Minimalist in character.
The research program explored in my 2011 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. At Maryland, I was engaged in experimental studies of phonological rule learning in both adults and infants using artificial language learning paradigms.
Academic background
Postdoc, Linguistics / 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]
I was fortunate to supervise several excellent undergraduate researchers on experimental projects and the preparation of my book manuscript while at Maryland. A number of the students I mentored at Harvard and Maryland are now in top MPhil and PhD programs across North America and Europe.
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, and I’m co-chair of the Linguistic Society of America’s Special Interest Group on Biolinguistics. In the past few years, I have reviewed for Biolinguistics, Language Acquisition, Language Analysis, The Linguistic Review, and NELS. This year I am also interviewing Harvard College applicants.