This work explores the role of the arts in cognitive and affective endpoints across development.

As the P.I. on a project funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, I tracked how Americans’ interests in the arts relate to innovation in the workplace. I found that an interest in the visual arts predicts innovation at work as measured by contributions at work that led to a patent application; history of business ownership; and considering oneself an entrepreneur. This relationship was retained even when controlling for math and verbal aptitudes, educational attainment, self-mastery, and willingness to take risks.

• Niemi, L. & Cordes, S. (in prep). The arts and economic vitality: Leisure time interest in the art predicts entrepreneurship and innovation at work. [Read NEA Research Report] 

Papers in psychology of the arts:

• *Niemi Young, Laura, Winner, E., Cordes, S. (2012). Heightened incidence of depressive symptoms in adolescents involved in the arts. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts | APA Press Release | Chicago Tribune 

• *Niemi Young, Laura , Cordes, S., Winner, E. (2013). Arts involvement predicts academic achievement only when the child has a musical instrument. Educational Psychology.

*Note: Name change from Laura Niemi Young to Laura Niemi in 2013.