Mission Statement
and Statement of Values
Our mission is to improve the lives of people with cognitive and language difficulties by expanding our understanding of:
(1) how the brain performs language and cognitive functions,
(2) how these brain systems change in the face of injury or dysfunction, and
(3) how we can improve recovery
We will pursue our mission by conducting research addressing the three aims above while striving to educate members of the lab and others about our methods and findings.
Our work will be guided by the following values and principles:
For Research:
When selecting and designing projects we will keep in mind the ultimate goal of helping people with cognitive and language difficulties.
We will respect disciplines that provide other perspectives and expertise on the issues we study, and apply this knowledge to improve our research.
We will strive to conduct research that is inclusive and represents the full diversity of people with cognitive and language difficulties.
We will keep an open mind, and consider alternate viewpoints and interpretations.
We will be skeptical of our own work and others', and be willing to re-evaluate our assumed knowledge.
We will respect our participants by making our research worth their efforts.
We will respect our home institutions and funders by making our research worth their support.
We will respect our families and friends by making our work worth the time and attention spent away from them.
We will publish good and meaningful work.
For Education:
We will disseminate our knowledge accurately and honestly.
We will support the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of lab members and collaborators.
In training lab members and others in our areas of research and their related disciplines, we will share information with each other and educate each other.
We will foster an environment that supports learning and professional development.
We will foster an environment that is inclusive and supports all forms of diversity among our members.
We will encourage each other to ask questions, and not judge each other for our gaps in knowledge or understanding.
We will encourage developing independence, in both thought and action.
We will give appropriate credit for contributions to the lab and the research.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
We recognize institutional racism is a vast, complex issue in academia and medical research. We and others at Georgetown are actively discussing ways in which we can improve diversity and inclusion. At CRL, we will continue to advocate for our Black professionals, students, and individuals with communication disorders. We stand against racism, racial bias, and inequality. Our mission and research aim to improve the lives of people with cognitive and language difficulties, and this begins with a clear understanding that Black Lives Matter.
The risk of stroke is higher for Black people than other groups, and aphasia outcomes may not be as favorable. Additionally, not all aphasia diagnostic tests account for differences in dialect, and consequently, tests are often biased against dialectal speakers of African American English. At CRL, we work hard to combat these biases. We choose tests that minimize bias, and try to make our research inclusive, welcoming and fair to everyone regardless of their background. D. Seles Gadson, PhD, CCC-SLP is studying racial and socioeconomic disparities in aphasia, and how they affect the brain and quality of life. We hope her research will provide insight into the lives of African Americans living with aphasia, and help make positive and productive change toward health equality.
To our Black participants, please know we see you and we care. If you as a participant ever feel that we can do better, please let us know. We welcome feedback and take it seriously.