This research examines export activities of 1.5-generation immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada. Using data from over 5,000 firms, it shows that although fewer engage in exporting, their businesses perform significantly better financially—especially when exporting across greater institutional distance—highlighting their unique economic value and policy relevance.

The speaker develops DOLLY, a dynamic, language-neutral reading screener designed to reduce bias against bilingual children. Unlike traditional English-based tests, DOLLY measures how children learn reading skills using novel symbols and teaching prompts. Early results show it more accurately identifies true reading difficulties, ensuring fairer support and resource allocation.

Learning a new language, even later in life, can boost attention within a single week and support long-term cognitive resilience. Intensive language learners outperform peers in non-language courses, with benefits spanning ages 18–78. Practising five hours weekly maintains gains, offering a promising, accessible strategy for stroke recovery and dementia delay.

This study examines how acculturation and enculturation relate to first-language loss among bilingual young adults. Higher acculturation predicts weaker first-language skills but stronger English proficiency, while enculturation predicts better retention of the first language. Multigenerational households did not significantly prevent language loss, underscoring the delicate balance between adaptation and heritage preservation.