Dr. Simic is an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at the University of Toronto (UofT). She completed her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences (SLP) at the University of Toronto and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Université de Montréal, with a focus on identifying linguistic and cognitive predictors of language recovery post-stroke. She also holds a Master of Health Science (MHSc) and is a registered speech-language pathologist, with 16 years of research and clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of acquired language disorders. At UofT, Dr. Simic directs the Language Rehab and Cognition (LaRC) lab. Her research program uses frameworks of neuroplasticity and learning to understand the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying language learning in healthy and disordered aging, and language recovery after acquired brain damage.
The field of language rehabilitation lacks explicit claims about the factors driving improvement following language intervention. Dr. Simic’s research program applies frameworks of neuroplasticity and learning to investigate the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying language learning and recovery after acquired brain damage. Her work also examines the role of language in the diagnosis and clinical management of neurological conditions by leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. The long-term goal of her research is to develop sensitive language assessment tools and personalized, neuroplasticity-enhancing training programs that can improve communication, cognitive functioning, functional independence, and quality of life for individuals with acquired communication disorders. Her research has been supported by CIHR, Brain Canada, the National Research Council of Canada, the Connaught Fund, Long COVID Web, and the Rehabilitation Sciences Research Network for COVID.
Dr. Simic serves as a primary and co‑supervisor for graduate students in the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI) at the University of Toronto, is a member of supervisory committees for RSI graduate students, and teaches SLP1533 Aphasia in Year 2 of the MHSc program.
Active Research Funding:
Simic, T. (PI). Developing a multilingual diagnostic tool for cognitive-linguistic deficits in Long-COVID. Long Covid Web Seed Grant. 2026-2027. Co-PI: Fraser, K. Co-Investigators: Torreiter, S., Marcotte, K., Brambati, S.M., & Hamelinck, D.
Simic, T. (PI). Mechanisms underlying treatment induced language recovery post-stroke. Brain Canada Foundation Future Leaders Award. 2023-2025.
Simic, T. (PI). Executive control in post-stroke aphasia: Do verbal load and inner speech play a role? Connaught Fund New Investigator Award. 2023-2025.
Simic, T. (Co-PI). A novel automated assessment for language symptoms in migraine. National Research Council of Canada New Beginnings Initiative. 2023-2025. Co-PI: Fraser, K. Co-applicants: Lay, C., Lagman, M., Sandoe, C.
