CLAD Lab senior and Cognition Fellow, Sophia Alvarez, shows us what’s possible when we connect volunteer tutors to cognitive science. Her passion for the science of reading, combined with a profound dedication to children, has helped strengthen ties between Notre Dame and the South Bend community. Throughout her time at Notre Dame, Alvarez has fully embraced our "science for service" philosophy by integrating her psychology and ESS coursework, CLAD Lab research, and hands-on experiences as a volunteer tutor at Darden Elementary School. As a leader of a learning design team, she has built meaningful relationships with students, peers, and seasoned educators, supporting Darden's mission to improve literacy outcomes. These experiences, alongside the guidance and welcoming support from Principal Patty Karban and school mentor Ken Hendricks, have been instrumental in shaping her path. Her work with the Darden team for the past three years has fueled her passion for education, ultimately cementing her decision to pursue a teaching career. After graduation this spring, Alvarez will dive deeper into the science of reading as an ACE Teaching Fellow, where she will continue to work with others to make a difference.
Check out the full WSBT article to discover how Notre Dame's Science of Reading Grant from the Lilly Endowment is fostering the formation of passionate, well-prepared aspiring teachers like Alvarez.