Sammi Liang is a second-year PhD student researching language and communication differences in early childhood as potential indicators of neurodivergence, with a particular focus on preschool children aged 3-5 with ADHD characteristics. Her doctoral research explores language profiles in young children with ADHD-related characteristics using mixed methods approach and involves a scoping review, an online survey study and a multiple-case study, with the aim of better understanding how language and communication development intersect with neurodivergence during the early years, and how children use language across contexts and settings informed by parents, educators and children themselves.
Sammi holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh and completed her master’s research on Developmental Language Disorder at PacLab under the supervision of Professor Jenny Gibson. Her research interests centre on child language development, neurodivergence, language and communication difficulties, and inclusive early years education.
Alongside her doctoral research, Sammi works as Research and Evaluations Lead at Play Included C.I.C., where she contributes to research examining LEGO-based therapy and its potential benefits for children with special educational needs. Her wider experience includes working with children and young people across nursery, primary and secondary education, delivering English, culture and educational workshops, and supporting international summer-school programmes in the UK, Italy, Latvia and Hong Kong.
Sammi also brings a strong interest in multilingualism and cross-cultural communication, informed by her experience of living and studying across Europe and her background in Psychology, Linguistics and intercultural communication.
PhD supervisor: Prof Jenny Gibson
PhD advisor: Prof Sara Baker