معرفی
Melin Lai is an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago's Cognitive Science Program, serving as both an Assistant Instructional Professor and Program Coordinator. She teaches introductory and specialized courses while developing academic resources for undergraduate students.
Education:
- PhD in Psychology (Cognitive Psychology specialty), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2023)
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Linguistics, and Cognitive Science, Rutgers University
Research Focus: Language comprehension mechanisms with emphasis on prediction dynamics and cognitive processes. Her work combines electrophysiological methods (ERPs) with behavioral measures like eye-tracking to examine how prediction strategies adapt to comprehension goals and language environments.
Publications: Focus on prediction error consequences and graded expectation patterns in language processing, with notable work on ERP repetition effects and memory outcomes of prediction violations.
Awards:
- Student Poster Award winner at SPR Annual Meeting (2022)
- Student Poster Award winner at SPR Annual Meeting (2020)
Additional Roles: Former research assistant and lab manager at Johns Hopkins University under Dr. Akira Omaki, and honors thesis student at Rutgers with Dr. Karin Stromswold.
