About Us

¡HOLA! We are the HOLA STEM Lab, dedicated to advancing equity in early STEM learning for dual language learners (DLLs) and their families. Our work investigates how young children’s language experiences, especially in bilingual and multilingual contexts, shape their understanding of mathematics and science. We study how assessment and instructional practices can be designed to more accurately reflect DLLs’ knowledge and promote equity in early STEM learning. We also recognize the vital role that families and home learning environments play in supporting children’s curiosity and engagement with STEM from an early age.

Latino families bring rich linguistic, cultural, and cognitive assets to schools and communities. One in four children in the U.S. are Latinos, and many grow up navigating more than one language. At HOLA STEM, we value bilingualism as a strength and an essential resource for learning. Through an asset-oriented lens, we partner with families, educators, and community programs to recognize and promote the diverse ways in which Latino and multilingual families engage in their children’s early STEM development.

Meet our Team!