Research Labs

In the Building Rehabilitation Advances in Neuroscience (BRAIN) Lab we seek to improve quality of life and life participation for individuals with neurogenic communication disorders through a focus on neuroscience.  By harnessing our understanding of the brain, and how it changes in the face of injury or disease, we can develop assessments and behavioral therapies that are sensitive, effective, and efficient.  In the BRAIN lab, we utilize a variety of methods, from behavioral speech-language therapy and pen-and-paper tests to neuroimaging and brain stimulation, to achieve our goals.

Learn more about Building Rehabilition Advances in Neuroscience (BRAIN) Lab

The Neurodevelopmental Feeding and Swallowing Lab is involved in active data collection with typically developing feeding patterns and children with pediatric feeding disorder.  We analyze behaviors and feeding skills of typical and disordered infants and children using behavioral coding software in the effort to create a normative reference and standardized approach to quantify and identify children with pediatric feeding disorder. 

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Our primary research is focused on understanding how auditory information affects aspects of learning and coordination of movements of the tongue, lips, and jaw during speech. We seek to clarify how brain injury may impact speech related auditory-motor integration for survivors of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). This research will help broaden our understanding of brain function for speech and facilitate improved speech treatments for millions of survivors of brain injury. 

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Child Language and Literacy Lab (CLL Lab)

In the Child Language and Literacy (CLL) Lab we investigate children’s development of language and literacy, especially in young children from under-resourced neighborhoods who speak nonmainstream English dialects. Areas of focus include culturally and linguistically responsive assessment methods, innovations in language sample analysis, and professional development for early childhood educators. Since the CLL Lab began in 2003 we have been funded by numerous external and internal grants. Funders have included the U.S. Department of Education, Clinical & Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin, Herzfeld Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, United Way, and Marquette University.

Learn more about the Child Language and Literacy (CLL) Lab 

Our research aims to address the multifaceted nature of communication disorders in children, recognizing that these conditions often intersect with various developmental, neurological, and psychosocial factors. We are committed to developing innovative assessment and intervention protocols to improve outcomes for children with communication impairments and their families. Our research is supported by funding from NIH, Once Upon a Time foundation, and Apraxia Kids. 

Learn more about the Communiation, Movement and Learning Lab