Robin Panneton

Robin Panneton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech, with affiliations in the Developmental Science program and the Child Study Center. He serves as Director of the i-Language Environment Attention Parenting (iLEAP) Laboratory and previously held the role of Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs in the College of Science (2017-2020). His research focuses on infants' attention to multimodal speech cues, social engagement in language development, and parenting influences on early cognitive and linguistic skills. He teaches courses on language development, developmental plasticity, and the impact of genetics and epigenetics in child development.

His research employs eye-tracking technology to study how infants process speech and social cues in dynamic environments. Key themes include maternal speech hyperarticulation, multisensory integration in toddlers, and the role of attention in phonetic perception. Recent studies explore how parenting characteristics and environmental stimuli shape language acquisition and cognitive outcomes. Panneton collaborates internationally, including through Fulbright engagements, and has contributed to methodological standards in infant research through collaborative initiatives.

His iLEAP Laboratory examines how parenting practices and environmental factors influence early language and attentional development. While currently not accepting students, he has advised numerous graduate researchers in developmental psychology and related fields. His work bridges developmental science with applications in education and clinical practice, emphasizing reproducibility and interdisciplinary approaches.