Research Labs - Program Landing Page
We strive to be international leaders in research that:
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improves the quality of life for individuals with communication disabilities;
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promotes the understanding of communication disorders; and,
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contributes to the knowledge of communication in individuals with typical development.
Areas of Study
Explore our labs and reach out to our graduate research faculty with any questions.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Transforming the lives of those with complex communication needs through research and technology development
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Language and Language Disabilities Across the Lifespan
Language and Language Disabilities Across the Lifespan
Using the tools of cognitive science and neuroscience to enhance research
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The Speech Core: Speech Production and Perception
The Speech Core: Speech Production and Perception
Studying spoken language processes in healthy individuals and those with communication disorders
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Oral Motor Control, Speech, Voice, and Swallowing
Oral Motor Control, Speech, Voice, and Swallowing
Answering complex questions related to aging and oral motor control for skilled behaviors like speech and swallowing
Visit our labsFacilities and Technology
Researchers in CSD utilize and have access to cutting-edge, clinically-relevant research tools, including:
- Tools of neuroscience, such as eyetracking, kinematic analysis, fMRI, fNRI, and EEG, to understand neural processing in individuals with various disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, stuttering, ALS, and aphasia
- Ground-breaking technology to enhance augmentative and alternative communication interventions
- Electromagnetic articulography to examine tongue movements related to speech intelligibility
- fMRI to study neuroplasticity in the brains of aphasia patients following therapy
- Electromyography and custom-designed instruments to study sensation and movement in lips and tongue in typical and atypical populations
- Acoustic pharyngometer and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) equipment used to improve assessment and screening of dysphagia
- Behavioral measures to map relations between cognition and language in developmental and acquired language disorders
- Portable ultrasound system to visualize tongue movements during speech production in research and clinical settings
Get involved
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research opportunities to further their understanding in communication sciences and disorders. Review the labs listed above and reach out to the faculty researcher to inquire about openings. Many students also participate in research through labs in the Center for Language Science. Visit the HHD Undergraduate Research page to learn more.
Research participants
Explore the labs listed above for research opportunities. Many researchers also list open studies on Study Finder under Language and Linguistics, Neurology, Autism, and/or Education.
Talk to us about our research
Faculty and students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders regularly present at national and international conferences. View our events calendar for upcoming presentations or click the links below for more information.