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The role of sociospatial exploration in the development of vocal communication

Award Number: R16GM166763
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/15/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2030

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The role of sociospatial exploration in the development of vocal communication - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Language and locomotion emerge in concert, typically around the end of the first year of life. This coupling between motor and vocal development shapes early social interactions: while infants initially receive communication signals from caregivers at imposed distances, the onset of self-directed movement enables children to regulate both vocal exchanges and interpersonal spacing. The ability to co-regulate language and social space is central to pragmatic communication, and disruptions in sociospatial behavior are often observed in developmental communication disorders. Despite this, little is known about how control of movement influences normative communication development, or whether interventions targeting sociospatial exploration can promote language acquisition in children with delays. The long-term goal of the PI’s research program is to identify mechanisms through which sociospatial exploration shapes communication, ultimately informing behavioral interventions to support language development in children. The current project takes an essential first step by using a uniquely suited model system – songbirds – to investigate how sociospatial experience contributes to vocal flexibility, a skill critical for adaptive communication. The central hypothesis is that sociospatial enrichment promotes more flexible vocal communication skills. This will be tested through three integrated aims: in Aim 1, we will correlate zebra finch vocal flexibility and sociospatial dynamics; in Aim 2, we will compare song learning outcomes and developmental trajectories in sociospatially-enriched vs. restricted learners; and in Aim 3 we will measure the impact of sociospatial experience on vocal flexibility. The research design combines naturalistic observation, experimental manipulations of developmental environments, and controlled behavioral assays. This multimethod approach will allow us to establish whether sociospatial exploration plays a causal role in the emergence of flexible vocal communication. By elucidating functional linkages between vocal and locomotor learning, this project will produce knowledge that can inform the design of interventions aimed at promoting language acquisition in children with developmental delays. In addition, the proposed research will create developmental science training opportunities for students pursuing clinical, research, and industry careers.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $188,125 )
2026	2026	NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	323 DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD	NEWARK	NJ	07102	ESSEX	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	7/15/2026	NEW	$188,125
														Subtotal = $188,125

Grand Total All Awards = $188,125

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The role of sociospatial exploration in the development of vocal communication

Award Number: R16GM166763

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/15/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2030

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