Dr. Yana Yunusova is a Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto and Director of the Speech Production Lab. She is also a Senior Scientist at KITE and Sunnybrook Research Institute. Her work is driven by a simple goal: helping people with neurological conditions communicate more clearly and confidently. With a clinical background in speech-language pathology, she focuses on how conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, and stroke affect speech and facial movement. By combining clinical insight with advanced technologies—like video, audio, and motion tracking—her research aims to improve how speech disorders are understood, assessed, and treated.
Dr. Yunusova’s research is centered on making speech assessment and care more accessible, accurate, and impactful. Her work explores earlier detection of speech changes, development of remote tools for patients and clinicians, and new approaches to treatment. A major focus of her lab is on using AI and data-driven methods to bring care beyond traditional clinical settings—making it easier for patients to access support and for clinicians to make informed decisions. Her work connects research and real-world impact, aiming to make SLP care more timely, personalized, and widely available.
Dr. Yunusova is an award-winning graduate supervisor who is deeply committed to student growth and success. She supports students in building strong knowledge, developing practical skills, and exploring meaningful career paths in both research, clinical practice and beyond.
Her teaching focuses on creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can thrive. She teaches Motor Speech Disorders (SLP1534) and contributes to the Professional Development Course (REH2001/3001) at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute.
Active Research Funding:
Yunusova (PI), Quality of Life Correlates of Bulbar and Pseudobulbar Dysfunction in Late Stage MND: Clinical Determinants, Screening Tools, Opportunities for Evidence-based QoL-focused Interventions. CIHR Institute of Aging in partnership with Operating Grant: Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND). 2025 - 2028
Yunusova (PI), AI-assisted Multimodal Digital Remote Screening for Bulbar ALS to Support Timely Referral to SLP Care. NIH-NIDCD. 2025 - 2030
Yunusova (co-PI), Multimodal Remote Screening for Bulbar Dysfunction in Myasthenia Gravis. Muscular Dystrophy Canada Translational Grant. 2025 - 2027
Awards:
2023 | Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
2021, 2019 | RSI Service Award for Faculty
2020 | Mid-Career Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentorship
2018 | Dr. Tony Hakim Stroke Innovation Award, Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
