University of Verona - Italy
Professional Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Marinella Majorano's academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of understanding human development, particularly in the realms of language and social interaction. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Parma in 2001, where she delved into the intricacies of planning and visual memory in school-age deaf children, she continued her academic pursuits with post-graduate studies and a Doctorate (PhD) from the University of Padua in 2006. Her doctoral research, supervised by Prof. B. Benelli, focused on "Babbling and first words in typically developing children and late talkers," showcasing her early interest in language acquisition and developmental psychology.
Professional Endeavors
Marinella's academic journey continued to flourish as she embarked on postdoctoral fellowships and teaching positions at prestigious institutions. From 2009 to 2011, she pursued a postdoc fellowship at the Department of Psychology, University of Parma, exploring the nuances of perception and production in the first two years of life. Subsequently, she joined the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Verona, initially as an Assistant Professor in 2011 and later ascending to the position of Associate Professor in 2016. Her tenure at the University of Verona provided her with a platform to delve deeper into her research interests while also shaping the minds of future psychologists.
Contributions and Research Focus On Psychology
Marinella's research interests are wide-ranging, encompassing various aspects of language and social development in infants and children with typical and atypical development. Her investigations into early speech perception and production shed light on fundamental processes underlying language acquisition. Moreover, her studies on mother-child interaction and educator-child interaction in educational contexts offer valuable insights into the socio-emotional and linguistic factors influencing child language outcomes and peer relationships. Through her Laboratory of Research on Social and Language Development Group (SLD) at the University of Verona, Marinella has spearheaded numerous research projects aimed at unraveling the complexities of early development and its implications for later functioning.
Accolades and Recognition In Psychology
Marinella's exemplary contributions to the field of developmental psychology have garnered recognition and accolades from her peers and academic institutions. Her doctoral dissertation received high praise, earning her a Doctorate (PhD) from the University of Padua. Additionally, her research has been disseminated through publications in esteemed journals and presentations at international conferences, further solidifying her reputation as a leading scholar in her field.
Impact and Influence
Marinella's research has had a profound impact on both academia and practice, shaping our understanding of early development and informing interventions aimed at promoting optimal outcomes for children. Her work has influenced policies and practices in early childhood education and intervention, emphasizing the importance of early language and social experiences in shaping later development. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including perception, cognition, emotion, personality, development, social interactions, and mental health.
Legacy and Future Contributions For Psychology
As Marinella Majorano continues her academic journey, her legacy is marked by her unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and improving outcomes for children. Through her research, teaching, and mentorship, she continues to inspire the next generation of psychologists and contribute to our understanding of human development. Moving forward, Marinella remains committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in developmental psychology and making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
Notable Publications
I-MovE. An intervention to promote movement at childcare centers: Benefits for motor cognitive and socio-emotional development 2024
Linguistic interactions at nursery school and language acquisition of toddlers from low-income bilingual immigrant families and monolingual families 2023
Competing views on interventions for pragmatic language skills in persons with pragmatic language impairment: An umbrella review 2023