Malin Wass

Malin Wass is an associate professor in psychology at Luleå University of Technology. Her research is about how children's language, reading and writing skills develop, why some children face difficulties and how language training can strengthen their learning.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your research?

"I am an Associate Professor in Psychology at Luleå University of Technology. My research focuses primarily on the development of language and literacy skills in children.

Before coming to Luleå, I worked as a teacher and researcher at Linköping University, where I also completed my PhD at the Swedish Institute for Disability Research. During a period in between, I held a COFAS Marie Curie fellowship at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, where I conducted research on reading development in children with hearing loss.

I’m interested in the psychological mechanisms of learning, and what the underlying causes may be when children struggle to learn. In my research, I’ve studied reading, language and cognition in different groups of children: those with hearing impairments who use cochlear implants or hearing aids, children with reading and writing difficulties, and children with typical development. Different groups face different challenges and it’s important to understand these. By studying diverse groups we can also learn more about general learning processes.

Currently, I’m working with Elin Hällström (PhD student at LTU) and colleagues in Lund and Oslo on a project investigating how children’s reading skills can be improved through a specific type of language training – morphological awareness. The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council."

What led you to choose this particular field of research?

"Psychology is a broad field, and I find many aspects of it fascinating. Learning, language and memory have long been special interests of mine. I began my university studies with modern languages (English and French) and psychology at Umeå University and the University of New Mexico in the US. I then completed a Master’s degree in Cognitive Science at Umeå University. My interest in learning started during my own studies, when I became curious about my own learning strategies."

Why did you choose to conduct your research at Luleå University of Technology?

"To begin with, I like Luleå and Norrbotten. I enjoy being close to nature, having snowy winters, and being able to go skiing – that was one of the reasons I moved here.

Since then, there have been many reasons to stay. The Psychology Division at LTU has grown significantly in recent years, and it’s an inspiring work environment with friendly colleagues and exciting developments in both research and teaching. We have a bachelor’s programme in psychology since many years, and this year we’re also launching a psychology degree (clinical psychologist) programme. It’s very rewarding to be part of all the things that are happening here and to meet all the students."

How long have you been in Luleå, and what do you see as the benefits of conducting research here?

"I’ve been in Luleå since 2015. As a researcher in psychology, I think the biggest advantage is having such skilled colleagues, representing a wide range of research areas. It’s incredibly valuable to be able to discuss ideas with others and learn things outside your own expertise. That is enriching and essential for research.

At LTU, I also find that we’re good at collaborating across disciplines, which I believe is important for addressing societal challenges and for developing new research fields. And of course, it’s also a lot of fun."

Would you recommend LTU to other researchers, and if so, why?

"Yes, I would. LTU is a great place to work, with lots of exciting things happening. It’s also easy to enjoy a good quality of life here, with excellent opportunities for recreation and outdoor experiences that give you energy outside of work. Luleå and the Norrbotten are truly lovely places to be."