Elizabeth Choi-Tucci

Elizabeth Choi-Tucci is a Post-Doctoral Scholar at the University of Southern California (USC) Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Her research focuses on examining the impact of intersectional discrimination on neurodivergent individuals, integrating her expertise as a speech-language pathologist and occupational scientist. She investigates the development of social communication in infants and children, particularly those at elevated likelihood of autism, and evaluates the role of sensory processing and caregiver responsiveness.

Education:

• PhD in Occupational Science, University of Southern California (2024)
• MS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona (2017)
• BA in Applied Linguistics, University of California, Los Angeles (2011)

Research Interests: Her work emphasizes early identification of autism through communication measures, sensory reactivity in infants, and the transactional relationship between caregivers and children. She employs methods such as behavioral coding (e.g., Intentional Communication Coding Scale) and observational studies to assess developmental milestones and intervention efficacy.

Awards:

• Editor’s Award — Language Research (2024)
• Book of the Year (2023)
• NIH Student Travel Award (2022)
• Margaret Rood Dissertation Research Award (2021)

Lab & Mentorship: She is affiliated with the Boundary Crossings research lab and is mentored by Dr. Mary Lawlor. Her contributions include validating tools for early autism screening and exploring parental language input in diverse contexts.