Laura Shapiro

Laura Shapiro is Reader (Associate Professor) in Psychology at Aston University, leading research on language/literacy development and educational interventions. She directs projects including the Aston Literacy Project and Home to School initiative in Kenya/Zambia.

Her work investigates cognitive mechanisms underlying reading/vocabulary development, socioeconomic impacts on literacy, and nutrition-education connections. Current research examines how reading exposure facilitates word learning, supported by Nuffield Foundation funding.

Dr. Shapiro employs longitudinal methodologies to establish causal relationships between reading skills, environmental factors, and cognitive development. Her international collaborations focus on creating sustainable education models in underserved communities.