Speech Scientist

About me

I am a speech scientist interested in the sensorimotor control of speech production. I earned my PhD in speech-language pathology at the University of Toronto (advisor: Dr. Yana Yunusova) and completed postdoctoral training in speech neuroscience at Boston University (advisor: Dr. Frank Guenther). My research program investigates the brain mechanisms underlying acquired motor speech disorders, with the long-term goal of expanding the evidence-based speech therapy options available to those living with neurological disorders.

I recently joined Queensland University of Technology as a research fellow, where I am collaborating with Dr. Greig de Zubicaray and Dr. Katie McMahon on studies investigating language outcomes following brain tumour surgery. I am also available for scientific consulting, particularly in the areas of experimental design and detailed analysis (acoustic, kinematic, computational modeling) and interpretation of data for studies of speech production.

Interests

  • Speech motor control
  • Motor speech disorders
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Speech kinematics
  • Computational modeling

Education

  • PhD in Speech-Language Pathology, 2018

    University of Toronto

  • BSc in Speech and Language Therapy, 2011

    University College Cork

Recent Publications

Do not cut off your tail: A mega-analysis of responses to auditory perturbation experiments
Brain lesions sssociated with communication-related quality of life following surgical removal of primary left-hemisphere tumours

Recent & Upcoming Talks

Teaching

Course Instructor

To date, I have taught two courses to clinical MSc. students of Speech-Language Pathology:

  • Research Methods in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (Boston University)
  • Principles of Clinical Practice (University of Toronto)

Guest Lecturer

I have also guest lectured in a number of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences programs — from undergraduate to Ph.D. level:

  • Neural Control of Speech (Boston University)
  • Neuromotor Speech Disorders (Massachusetts General Hospital - Institute of Health Professions)
  • Motor Speech Disorders (University of Toronto)
  • Articulation and Related Disorders (University of Toronto)
  • Research in Speech-Language Pathology (University of Toronto)
  • Advanced Principles of Clinical Practice (University of Toronto)
  • Linguistics in the Workforce: Clinical Practice and Research (University of Toronto)
  • Adult Language Disorders (University of Toronto)

Contact

  • Brisbane, QLD