Dr. Kathryn Leech

Assistant Professor, School of Education

Background

Kathryn Leech specializes in children’s language and literacy development during early childhood. She takes an interdisciplinary view on this topic and collaborates with individuals affiliated with Developmental Psychology, Linguistics, and Speech and Hearing Sciences. Before joining the UNC School of Education, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Boston University and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

Research

Kathryn Leech’s research examines early childhood language and literacy development, with a specific focus on how children’s social interaction with caregivers supports these skills. Her research takes place in multiple contexts (e.g., mealtimes, book reading, museums, childcare settings) and includes mother-child and father-child interactions in families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Her research is published in outlets such as Developmental Psychology, Developmental Science, and Journal of Child Language.

CV | UNC Website | Contact: leechk@unc.edu

Dorentina Dedushaj

Project Manager, School of Education

Background

Dorentina is an educator and researcher who specializes in emerging technologies, innovative learning, and AI (artificial intelligence). Her research delves into AI-powered smart speakers, robotics, and Virtual Reality, aiming to innovate educational technology. Dorentina holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Prishtina, where she was recognized with the KETNET award for her contributions to language teaching. She continued her academic journey with a fully funded Erasmus+ and DAAD scholarship at the University of Vechta in Germany, exploring organizational leadership. Later, she earned a master’s in educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she received the prestigious Moise A. Khayrallah Innovation Fellowship Award and COIL Fellowship Award.

Research

Dorentina is a Researcher and Project Manager at the Early Learning Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently, she serves as an instructor in the Duke Continuing Studies Programs, teaching a variety of courses and workshops from AI to leadership. Dorentina is highly interested in learning sciences and learning technologies. Her work focuses on Technology (Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Virtual Reality) for language learning, language development, and early childhood development.

CV | UNC Website | Contact: dedushaj@unc.edu

Coltan Compton

Lab Manager, School of Education

Background

Coltan began working as full-time research assistant with the Early Learning Lab in August 2023. He also contributes part-time to Boston University’s Social Learning Lab, whose research goals have strong parallel to those of the ELL. Coltan completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in Spanish at North Carolina State University (Go Pack!).

Research

Coltan is a Lab Manager at the Early Learning Lab. He is interested in parent’s role in shaping children’s developing beliefs and science identity, as well as developing interventions that can increase the presence of underrepresented groups in STEM. In his free time, Coltan enjoys listening to podcasts, making art, and playing games with friends!

CV | UNC Website | Contact: crcompto@unc.edu

Kimberly Riden

Isra Siddiqui

Emma Gandossy

Graduate Students

• Amanda Buchanan, PhD Student, UNC-Greensboro
• Wonkyung Jang, Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma
• Sarah Pedonti, Assistant Professor, Western Carolina University
• Elizabeth Reynolds, RTI International