Photo:
Christina Zhao Ph.D. Photo: Will Austin
For Christina Zhao, Ph.D., her fascination with sound began early. As a child, she was intrigued by her ability to manipulate speech sounds simply by adjusting her vocal apparatus. Her curiosity never faded. Years later, when she moved to the U.S., her interest in how the brain processes the complex sounds around us deepened.
It was an eye-opening opportunity to train in infant speech perception research with Christine Moon, Ph.D., that led Zhao to the incredible world of infant research. “I’ve come to realize how lucky I was to be introduced to this field — not just because of its scientific significance, but because of the real-world impact our findings can have on families,” she says.
Now, as a researcher leading studies at the University of Washington’s I-LABS, Zhao explores how infants perceive and process the world of sound around them. Her passion stems from the endless unanswered questions about this rapid stage of learning. “Infancy is an incredible period of growth — babies are learning at an astonishing pace,” she explains. “Every discovery leads to even more questions, and that pursuit of knowledge keeps me energized every day.”
Equally as inspirational are the parents she hears from. “As a mother myself, I find endless inspiration in the parents who are eager to understand and support their children. They ask insightful, meaningful questions about their child’s development — questions we don’t always have answers to yet, but ones that drive us forward,” she says.
Her work underscores the importance of early childhood development and the role caregivers play in shaping a child’s learning journey. “Early development is foundational — it shapes so much of who we become,” she says. “Our goal is to provide insights that help infants receive the support they need during this critical period.”
Zhao emphasizes how invaluable participating in infant research is. “Our research wouldn’t be possible without families!" she declares encouragingly. “Parents can visit our lab’s website to learn about ongoing studies and how to get involved. There’s also a broader infant research community in Seattle — families can sign up for the University of Washington communication studies participant pool.”
What book or podcast are you recommending right now?[A] book I recently read and deeply resonated with is “Hold On to Your Kids” by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté. As my daughter moves beyond early childhood, I find myself thinking more about the teenage years, and this book offers valuable insights. Who is your personal hero?It may sound corny, but it’s my husband. I wouldn’t be able to pursue my research as fully as I have without his unwavering support. He’s also taught me so much about being a parent — we’re truly a team. What daily habit or small routine is most important to you?When my daughter opens up about her day, I make a conscious effort to put my phone away and be fully present, even if it’s just for a few minutes. |
