I am a Conjoint Research Fellow in Speech Pathology between the University of Queensland and Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. My background is as a speech pathologist and speech scientist. For the longest time, I have been fascinated with how we so effortlessly transform thoughts and ideas into words and sounds and can be instantaneously understood by those around us. For many experiencing neurological changes, however, their ability to communicate can change over night and what once was an automatic task becomes significantly challenging.
At the University of Queensland, I am building a research program that (1) investigates the brain mechanisms underlying acquired motor speech disorders, and (2) develops and evaluates evidence-based speech therapy options for those living with neurological disorders. I conduct both basic science and clinical research using a broad range of methods (e.g., acoustic, neuroimaging, computational modelling), and I am committed to conducting rigorous, transparent, and accessible science.
At Princess Alexandra Hospital, I facilitate research in the Speech Pathology department, specifically mentoring speech pathologists in building research capacity and establishing a stronger evidence base for their clinical practise. This work focuses on knowledge translation and implementation science; making real-world change in the healthcare setting.
PhD in Speech-Language Pathology, 2018
University of Toronto
BSc in Speech and Language Therapy, 2011
University College Cork
Purpose: Open science is a collection of practices that seek to improve the accessibility, transparency, and replicability of science. Although these practices have garnered interest in related fields, it remains unclear whether open science practices have been adopted in the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). This study aimed to survey the knowledge, implementation, and perceived benefits and barriers of open science practices in CSD.
Method: An online survey was disseminated to researchers in the United States actively engaged in CSD research. Four-core open science practices were examined: preregistration, self-archiving, gold open access, and open data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models.
Results: Two hundred twenty-two participants met the inclusion criteria. Most participants were doctoral students (38%) or assistant professors (24%) at R1 institutions (58%). Participants reported low knowledge of preregistration and gold open access. There was, however, a high level of desire to learn more for all practices. Implementation of open science practices was also low, most notably for preregistration, gold open access, and open data (< 25%). Predictors of knowledge and participation, as well as perceived barriers to implementation, are discussed.
Conclusion: Although participation in open science appears low in the field of CSD, participants expressed a strong desire to learn more in order to engage in these practices in the future.
To date, I have taught two courses to clinical MSc. students of Speech-Language Pathology:
I have also guest lectured in a number of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences programs — from undergraduate to Ph.D. level: