Research Interests
My research is committed to advancing the diagnostic and treatment techniques used for patients with motor speech disorders, like dysarthria.
My work investigates the factors that cause decreased speech intelligibility in speakers with dysarthria using advanced methods, such as ultrasound imaging (below panel) and electromagnetic articulography (right panel).
The Wave is the electromagnetic articulography (EMA) equipment we use
in the Motor Speech Lab.
Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can affect movement, including the movement required for speaking. As such, motor speech disorders frequently occur within these diseases.
A common experience for individuals with motor speech disorders is the inability to be understood by others, which can severely impact one's quality of life.
This is an ultrasound image of a speaker saying, "Carl."
This white line is the surface of the tongue.
Sagittal View
In recognition that these advanced methods are not accessible in most clinical settings, part of my research aims to generalize my findings to more clinically available methods, such as acoustic measurements.
With my research, I strive to enhance clinical diagnostic and treatment outcomes for individuals with motor speech disorders to improve their speech intelligibility and quality of life.
