Dr. Joanna Christodoulou, director of the Brain, Education and Mind (BEAM) Lab at the MGH Institute, has received the 2024 Garside Award from the Massachusetts branch of the International Dyslexia Association.

Christodoulou was recognized for her contributions as a scholar, researcher, and mentor who works tirelessly to advance the science of dyslexia. Nominators described her as brilliant, approachable, compassionate, and genuine. She was praised as a mentor to graduate students and colleagues alike, always generous with her time and sage advice. 

“I am deeply honored and moved to have received the Garside Award,” said Christodoulou. “This honor comes from an organization I have tremendous respect and admiration for that serves a community I share a dedication and commitment to. I started in the field of reading development and difficulties over 25 years ago and have had the privilege of working with excellent colleagues, generous mentors, passionate trainees, and gracious families. I extend my gratitude to members at the BEAM Lab who have driven forward our research efforts with exquisite talent. Progress in this field continues to bring needed attention to the issues struggling readers experience, and I look forward to contributing to solutions across home, school, and clinical settings.”

The award is given each year in honor of Alice Garside, who served as director of the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Language Clinic until 1976. Previous IHP faculty in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders who have received award are Dr. Charley Haynes and Dr. Pamala Hook.