I am interested in how age, experience and the native language sound system interact with the perception and production of a second language. Adult second language learners approach their second language with a first language already in place. I investigate how experience with a previously acquired language affects the way learners perceive and produce a second (or third) language. I approach these issues by assuming the input signal is a source of rich information that learners may or may not be able to take advantage of when perceiving and producing their non-native language and creating the representations that support further learning.

Adam is the chair of the University's GIS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which attempts to grow and focus the GIS community on campus. In addition to his support role he is also tasked with oversight of the GISIL (GIS Instructional Lab) in 243 Jessup Hall, assisting in developing research (as it pertains to GIS) for both departmental and non-departmental faculty, teaching short trainings...

Jon’s strong interests in engineering, urban development and the arts has led him to seek further avenues where he can make an impact in his community. He hopes to further his involvement through AmeriCorps with the University of Iowa, as well as other community driven groups.

Scott Spak is an Assistant Professor holding joint appointments with Urban and Regional Planning, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Environmental Policy Program at the Public Policy Center. He teaches courses on U.S. and international environmental policy, dynamic systems modeling, and urban growth. Spak develops and applies numerical models to study the intersection between human...

Dr. Steven Spears' current research focuses on understanding how attitudes, perceptions, and habits affect transportation choices, and how these psychological factors interact with urban design to influence travel behavior and physical activity. He is particularly interested in how travel and residential location preferences evolve over time, and how they respond to changes in the built...

Suha is from Sudan and graduated from The University of Iowa with a majors in Business Studies and International Relations. She is also a Clinic Coordinator for the UI’s Mobile Clinic and was an advocate for NISAA Family Services. Suha is interested in bridging gaps in access to healthcare.

Rachel Young's research investigates the role of social media and other user-generated digital content in health and wellness. Overall, the goal behind her research is to apply mass communication theory to improve health outcomes. Prior to joining the UI Faculty, Rachel had more than a decade of professional experience as a health and science writer/editor for a variety of publications and organizations, including the American Medical Association and Cricket Magazine Group. Most recently, she designed a public relations campaign promoting consideration of health outcomes in local policy decisions. Current projects include a series of studies on promoting bystander intervention in online aggression and cyberbullying and an investigation of how public health organizations use social media during disease outbreaks. Rachel also serves as academic advisor for the University of Iowa chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.