Professor Luc De Nil is a Full Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology. His primary research focus is on investigating the neural bases of developmental stuttering using behavioural and brain imaging technology. He also has published several papers and book chapters on acquired neurogenic stuttering. His teaching has included courses on fluency disorders, research methods and anatomy of speech and hearing. Dr. De Nil has been named an ASHA Fellow in recognition of his international research and service contributions to the field of communication disorders. He has served as the President of the International Fluency Association and currently serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Fluency Disorders, the leading peer-reviewed journal publishing papers on basic and clinical research on stuttering and cluttering.
Professor De Nil’s research is focused primarily on speech fluency disorders, in particular developmental and acquired stuttering in children and adults. Using a variety of behavioural and brain imaging research methods, such as fMRI and MEG, his research aims to explore the neural processes that lead to the early development, recovery and persistence of stuttering. Through his research, he aims to better understand the nature of developmental and acquired stuttering and provide the knowledge needed to develop improved and more effective treatment approaches. In order to accomplish this, his research collaborations have included experts in brain imaging as well as clinicians and clinical researchers. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
Research Foci:
Developmental stuttering
Acquired neurogenic stuttering
Brain imaging
Speech motor processes of fluent and disfluent speech
Over the span of 36 years, Professor De Nil has taught a wide variety of graduate level courses, including fluency disorders, research methods and anatomy of speech and hearing. In his various roles as Graduate Coordinator, Department Chair and Chair of the Curriculum Committee over the years, he has been closely involved in course and curriculum developments for the Master of Health Sciences program. He also has supervised many graduate students, both in the clinical program as well as the doctoral (MSc and PhD) programs.
Active Research Funding:
De Nil (Principal Investigator), Mapping the Temporal Neural Dynamics of Speech Motor Processes During Fluent and Disfluent Speech, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, 2022–2027
Awards:
2022 | Award for Teaching Excellence in an Academic Course (Department of Speech-Language Pathology, U of T)
