Graduate Research Degree Awarded - Loretta Gasparini

Congratulations to Loretta Gasparini - Graduate Research Degree Awarded 22 June 2026.

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Supervisors: Angela Morgan, Melissa Wake, Daisy Shepherd
Advisory Committee: David Amor, Jonathan Payne

Thesis Title: Predictors and intervention targets for language development in the early years of life

Thesis Summary:

Dr Gasparini's work will benefit children with language disorders. Her new ultra short survey for parents can spot which toddlers are more likely to have long-term language challenges, with better accuracy than had been achieved before. This will help researchers and clinicians develop early interventions and support these children to thrive.

Researchers and clinicians struggle to effectively identify and support the 10% of all children who have language disorders. Dr Gasparini used population cohort data to identify sets of five predictors collected at 2-3 years with >70% sensitivity and specificity for predicting 11-year language, replicated across two cohorts. She also presents a protocol for identifying impactful language intervention targets to reduce disparities in child language. These studies will help researchers and clinicians identify children with language disorders and support them to thrive.

Date awarded: 22 June 2026