Dana is a research scientist and professor, whose primary research focuses on the cognitive processes surrounding human memory and language, particularly within the domain of multilingualism.
Dana is a Cognitive Researcher with an interest and expertise in issues surrounding multilingual language processing. For the past 10 years, Dana has resided in Nairobi, Kenya. During this time, she has been an Associate Professor at the United States International University – Africa, a consultant on several research projects within the medical community, as well as those conducted by elite international (K-12) schools in the Sub-Saharan African region. She has served on the board of several non-profit organizations both within Africa and North America.
Dana’s earliest training resulted in her earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology (minors in Chemistry and Psychology) and a Bachelor of Arts in French (minor in Spanish). She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. at the University at Albany, State University of New York under the supervision of Dr. Jeanette Altarriba in the Language and Cognition Laboratory, examining the mental processes involved in language and emotion word processing. She also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Laurie Feldman in the Cognition Laboratory and as a research consultant for Haskins Laboratories (Yale University), as well as gaining knowledge and mentorship from those who served on her committees: Dr. James Neely, Dr. Trammell Neill, and Dr. Frank Vellutino (University of Albany), and Dr. Viorica Marian (Northwestern University). While in graduate school, Dana was the 2008 Recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 2010 Recipient of the Distinguished Doctoral Dissertation Award. Within the domain of human memory and language, much of Dana’s research focuses on the intersection between language, emotion, and memory, with a primary interest in how the knowledge of multiple languages affects general cognitive functioning. Most recently, stemming from her experience conducting research with international collaborators and in international settings, Dana is currently completing additional training in Research Administration from Johns Hopkins University (M.S. degree to be completed in 2022, concentration in International Research Development).
Most importantly, Dana continues to have a strong interest in cross-cultural cognitive science and issues that have a global influence. As a result of her teaching and research experience that extend across continents (teaching experience in the United States, China, and Kenya), she was able to be involved in the development of the first research laboratory dedicated to the study of human cognition in the East African region (see https://www.albany.edu/psychology/78190.php). Her impact globally was recognized by being the 2014 recipient of the APA International Psychology Division Early Career Professional Award (for “outstanding contributions to International Psychology”) and the APA Early Career Achievement Award (based on “scientific achievement and leadership in the field of psychology” from the international division). Her research experience also allowed her to be a recipient of a Mentor Fellowship for Early Career Scientists (funded through the National Science Foundation – Perception, Action and Cognition Program). Dana has been invited to present her research in spoken sessions internationally, including on five continents and in more than one dozen countries. She currently serves as an Associate Director for the Psychological Science Accelerator, a globally distributed network of laboratories representing countries across six continents. All of these opportunities have provided Dana with diverse cultural experiences and a proven ability to work with students, faculty, and colleagues from many different backgrounds.
Research Interests
Translation and Emotion: Translation and perception of emotion in multilingual populations; processing of emotional stimuli across cultures; the relationship between emotion and memory
Brain and Language: Neurological components of bilingualism/multilingualism; second language acquisition and development; cognition and culture, cognition in non-WEIRD populations; interaction between language and culture; the effects of poverty on social and cognitive development
International Research Development: Team Science; research ethics in multi-country collaborations