Every thought, every bit of knowledge, and every memory is stored by the billions of neurons in our brain. Our lab is broadly interested in how infants’ brains develop to support our experiences and understanding of other people. Towards this goal, we use a variety of methods including behavioral, computational, and neuroimaging in infants, children, and adults. We fully believe that science is improved by including thoughts, ideas, and interests from a variety of different perspectives — lived experiences, academic interests, and identity. Together we are always stronger and our science will always be better.
We are hiring a new full-time lab manager! This primary role of this position is participant recruitment and data collection for studies with infants using fMRI. To learn more and apply, check out the full job listing here!
We are recruiting graduate students for the 2027-2028 cycle! To apply, check out the USC Psychology Doctoral Program and apply here!
Lab Members
Our lab is new and growing. We believe that everyone that wants a place in academia should have a place where they can grow, learn, and thrive. If you think our lab would be a good match for you, feel free to reach out.
Our Research
What are the origins of the human mind? How do neural systems and structures support our ability to perceive, understand, and learn about ourselves and others? These are some of the questions our lab tries to answer at different levels of analysis.
Resources
Our lab is committed to open science. As much as possible, we share data, code, stimuli, and results. Find out more by visiting our resources page.
See your baby’s brain!
If you live in the vicinity of Los Angeles, we are always looking for infants to participate in our research! Please fill out this form if you would like your baby to participate in our research and a lab member will reach out to you.
Origins of Face Responses in the Human Cortex: fNIRS and fMRI Evidence From Infants
Rebecca Saxe & Heather Kosakowski discuss recent neuroimaging research in awake infants, which suggests that infants’ brains process the social and perceptual features of faces.
Learn more!
If you are interested in the neural basis of social cognition and its developmental origins, please reach out!
Lab News
Keep up with the exciting events and updates happening in the Kosakowski Lab!
Lab News
Meet our first graduate student!
We are very excited to welcome Kaitlyn Wong as the first graduate students in the Kosakowski Lab! Feel free to read more about her on her bio. Welcome to the lab Kaitlyn!!
