Research Labs
Research in the Department of Speech‑Language Pathology spans the full spectrum from discovery to clinical impact. Our labs lead innovative, interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of communication, swallowing, and neurorehabilitation across the lifespan, translating science into real‑world solutions that improve lives and differentiate our program nationally and internationally.
Explore our research labs below to learn more about the bold ideas, cutting‑edge methods, and meaningful impact shaping our work.
Click on a lab image to visit the lab’s website, where available, and learn more about current research and opportunities:
Lead Researcher: Monika Molnar
The BAM Development Lab studies bilingual development across the lifespan, using experimental and clinical research methods to improve language assessment and intervention for bilingual populations.
Lead Researcher: Deryk Beal
The CONNECT Lab conducts research on the neurobiology of developmental diversity to advance neurorehabilitation for children with neurological differences, including autism, brain and spinal cord injury, and persistent pain.
Lead Researcher: Tijana Simic
The LaRC Lab studies language and cognition in healthy and disordered aging, with a focus on neuroplasticity and therapeutic outcomes to improve quality of life.
Oral Dynamics Laboratory
Lead Researcher: Pascal van Lieshout
The Oral Dynamics Lab conducts research on oral motor control underlying speech and swallowing across the lifespan, with a focus on both typical function and speech and swallowing disorders.
Lead Researcher: Karla Washington
The PedLLS Outcomes Lab conducts clinical research on children’s language, speech, and functional communication across monolingual and multilingual contexts.
Speech Fluency Lab
Lead Researcher: Luc De Nil
The Speech Fluency Lab uses advanced brain imaging to study the neural basis of stuttering in children and adults, with the goal of improving treatment for developmental and neurogenic stuttering.
Lead Researcher: Yana Yunusova
The Speech Production Lab studies normal and disordered speech motor control, using AI‑enabled tools to advance the assessment and rehabilitation of neurological speech disorders.
Lead Researcher: Rosemary Martino
The Swallowing Lab researches swallowing impairment (dysphagia) to improve care and support for patients, families, and clinicians.
Voice and Resonance Laboratory
Lead Researcher: Tim Bressmann
NSERC‑funded research in the Voice and Resonance Lab explores oral–nasal balance in cleft palate speech and tongue movement in articulation disorders, with a special focus on cleft palate and tongue cancer.