Perla Gámez

Perla Gámez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. Her research focuses on language and literacy development, particularly for Dual Language Learners and English Language Learners, examining how linguistic environments across classrooms, homes, and museums impact developmental outcomes from preschool through adolescence.

• PhD and MA in Developmental Psychology from the University of Chicago
• BA in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago

Her work employs both naturalistic observation and experimental methods, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and William T. Grant Foundation. She teaches courses including PSYC 273 Developmental Psychology, PSYC 307 Psychology of Language, and PSYC 540 Psychology of Language Development.

Recent research trends include narrative skill analysis in bilingual populations, syntactic priming mechanisms, and vocabulary acquisition influenced by socioeconomic factors. Notable awards include the Edwin T. and Vivijeanne F. Sujack Award for Teaching Excellence.