Email: presson AT pitt DOT edu

My primary research interest is in second language (L2) learning, specifically the processing and representation of L2 grammar. I received my Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Carnegie Mellon University, and did my undergraduate training at Carleton College majoring in psychology and Spanish. Currently, my research agenda includes studies of second language verb conjugation training in classroom learners, the relationship between language learning skill and working memory capacity (as well as the effectiveness of training in working memory), and the patterns of neural connectivity underlying the language network.

When I’m not working, I enjoy watching cricket, soccer, and pretty much every other sport, as well as reading books and running on the treadmill (but not at the same time!).