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Laura Claxton investigates the factors that impact how infants and young children learn balance, including the learning processes of sitting, standing, and walking. Her research identifies the mechanisms by which balance abilities lead to developmental changes in various domains, such as cognitive and language abilities. For instance, Claxton has demonstrated that when infants are provided with a toy to hold while standing, they exhibit improved balance control and stability. This research challenges traditional views of postural development, emphasizing the role of physical development over purely maturational explanations. Currently, her projects involve exploring the behaviors associated with falling in infants and how object interactions affect infant gait. Claxton is part of an interdisciplinary research team funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, investigating the transition from crawling to walking and its implications on children's health. She also contributes to the PLAY project, a national, interdisciplinary initiative funded by the NIH aimed at documenting behaviors of infants and mothers in their natural home environments.
Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN
Teaching, research, and service in the area of Health and Kinesiology, specializing in Motor Development.
GRE is not required.