Perla B. Gámez

Dr. Perla B. Gámez leads a program of research focused on language and literacy development, particularly in children from homes in which English is not the primary language (commonly referred to as Dual Language Learners; English Language Learners). Employing both naturalistic observation and experimental methods, her work examines how children's linguistic environments and experiences, at different developmental time points, help promote their language learning. Her current research investigates how variations in the features of language that children are exposed to in and out of school (e.g., classrooms, homes, museums) impact their language and literacy skills during preschool through adolescence. Currently, her work is funded by the William T. Grant Foundation and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Gámez’s teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students has earned her the Edwin T. and Vivijeanne F. Sujack Award for Teaching Excellence at Loyola University.