Alena Esposito

Dr. Alena Esposito is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Clark University, specializing in cognitive development and bilingual education. She holds a B.I.D. in Industrial Design from North Carolina State University, an M.A.T. in Elementary Education from East Carolina University, and a Ph.D. in Lifespan Developmental Psychology from North Carolina State University. Her postdoctoral research at Emory University focused on cognitive and academic outcomes in dual-language education.

Dr. Esposito’s research investigates malleable factors influencing learning, particularly for emerging bilingual students. Her work examines how dual-language education impacts cognitive and academic outcomes, with a focus on memory integration, semantic memory across languages, and knowledge base development. She also explores strategies to improve educational policy and practice for bilingual learners.

Her recent studies include investigations into self-derivation of knowledge through memory integration, executive functions in bilingual education, and the role of presentation formats (e.g., audio, visual) in learning. Current lab projects include studies on fraction understanding in children, adult learning mechanisms, and the intersection of identity and academic achievement among Asian students.

• Grants:
  • National Science Foundation (2024–2028): Examining factors supporting bilingual classrooms
  • Institute of Education Sciences (2019): STEM education and cognitive development
  • Spencer Foundation: Bilingual education and language practices

Dr. Esposito teaches courses on cognition and lifespan development. Her lab collaborates with schools to design interventions that enhance learning outcomes for diverse populations.