Lindsay Harris

Lindsay Harris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations at Northern Illinois University’s College of Education. She is also Co-Director of the Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language and Literacy (SISAL), fostering cross-campus collaboration on language and literacy research. Her work bridges cognitive psychology, education, and neuroscience, with a focus on reading, language development, and neurodiversity.

• Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology – University of Pittsburgh
• M.S.T. in English Education – Pace University
• B.A. in English and Spanish – The Ohio State University

Her research investigates the neurocognitive mechanisms of reading across cultures and sensory modalities, particularly in individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia. She explores how perceptual experience shapes word learning and how metacognition varies across groups. Her methodological expertise includes experimental design, training studies, EEG/ERP, and mixed methods.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on cognitive and neural bases of reading, with increasing emphasis on braille literacy, dyslexia in blind readers, and cross-cultural literacy. Key themes include orthographic processing, phonological decoding, error detection, and the role of writing systems in brain organization. Her work integrates cognitive science with educational applications, especially for underserved populations.

Dr. Harris has contributed to major reference works and journals in psychology, education, and neuroscience. While no formal awards are listed, her sustained publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates scholarly recognition. She serves as a committee member for theses and dissertations related to cognition, learning, and disability.

She advises multiple graduate students and is Principal Investigator on an NIH-funded project studying vocabulary development in blind children. Her research has direct implications for inclusive education policies and practices, particularly regarding braille instruction. She teaches courses such as EPS 770 (Writing for Publication), EPS 723 (Research Design), and EPS 560 (Mind, Brain and Education).

Dr. Harris leads the PEN Lab and co-directs SISAL, an interdisciplinary hub for language and literacy scholars across NIU. These platforms support collaborative research, training, and knowledge dissemination on critical issues in literacy and cognition.