Lauren Cycyk

Lauren M. Cycyk is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences within the College of Education at the University of Oregon. A nationally-certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP), she brings extensive clinical experience from early intervention settings, elementary schools, hospitals, and private practice across the United States and Mexico. She co-directs the Early Dual Language Development Laboratory and affiliates with the Alliance for Language and Literacy, focusing on culturally responsive research and practice for Latino communities.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2016) from Temple University, an MS with Bilingual Specialization (2007) from Arizona State University, and a BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2004) from George Washington University. These credentials underpin her expertise in bilingual language development and intervention.

Dr. Cycyk's research examines sociocultural and environmental factors shaping Spanish-English dual language development in young Latino children. She pioneers caregiver-centered interventions that promote communication and educational outcomes from infancy, emphasizing cultural validity and family engagement. Her work addresses critical gaps in service delivery for linguistically diverse populations, challenging deficit perspectives through asset-based frameworks that honor family linguistic practices and cultural values. Current projects investigate Mexican immigrant family beliefs about language learning and develop tools like the CECER-DLL questionnaire to document language experiences.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals concentrated focus on equity in early intervention systems, with recurring themes including cultural adaptations of language interventions, assessment barriers for bilingual children, and documentation of language environments for dual language learners. Her scholarship consistently centers Latino family perspectives, exposing systemic disparities while offering actionable solutions for practitioners and policymakers.

Her honors include the Bridging the Word Gap Emerging Research Scholar award and multiple prestigious fellowships recognizing her contributions to multicultural research. These accolades reflect her commitment to advancing evidence-based practices that serve underserved populations.

As Co-Director of the Early Dual Language Development Laboratory, she leads a research team investigating dual language acquisition trajectories and developing culturally sustaining interventions. The lab collaborates with community partners and the Alliance for Language and Literacy to translate research into practice, ensuring findings directly benefit educators, clinicians, and families serving young dual language learners.