Kellyn Thayer

Research Assistant

I am a senior at the University of Connecticut from Sandwich, Massachusetts. I am studying psychology and neuroscience and intend to earn my Bachelor of Arts degree in May 2026. I began working as a research assistant for the Language Creation Lab in September 2025, where I assist in research examining deaf culture and home signing among
individuals in Nicaragua. My experiences in the Language Creation Lab have strengthened my passion to support deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and conduct research that promotes inclusivity and accessibility. Working with Dr. Coppola and my fellow research assistants has taught me so much about Nicaraguan Sign Language and the acquisition and development of language. After I graduate, I hope to work in a clinical research lab and eventually pursue graduate training to become a clinical psychologist.