Research Opportunities

Neurodegenerative disease project

Illustration of a speech physiological study investigating the activities of craniofacial muscles, such as temporalis and masseter, the motions of speech organs, such as the tongue, jaw, and lips, and the acoustic waveform of speech.

WHAT: We are currently conducting a research study to understand how the biomechanics and muscles of the face and mouth affect the ability to speak in people with neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

WHY: Speaking often becomes difficult as neurodegenerative diseases progress. The causes of these speech difficulties are very complex and need to be better understood in order to provide optimal clinical care so that patients can maintain their ability to communicate.

HOW: Participants will complete a 2-2.5 hour experimental session every 3-4 months. In each session, participants will perform a few speaking tasks, while their facial muscle activities, mouth movements, and speech will be recorded.  

WHERE: Speech Science & Disorders Lab @ University of Kansas

 

You are invited to participate in this study if you:

  • Age > 18 years
  • Are diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, such as ALS and PD, by a certified neurologist
  • Speak American English as your first and primary language
  • Have no history of other neurologic or cognitive disorders

 

Qualified participants will receive:

  • $20 compensation for each session + $20 bonus for the completion of every five longitudinal sessions
  • Free parking on KU-Lawrence campus

 

For more information, please contact us at:

Phone: 785-864-0053                      Email: MSDProject.SSDLab@gmail.com

 

Perceptual Speech Project

Illustration of a speech perception study, during which a listener wears a headphone and listens to various speech stimuli played through a computer program.

WHAT:The Speech Science and Disorders Lab at the University of Kansas is currently conducting a research study to investigate how natural or artificial disruptions to speech acoustic signals impact auditory perception of speech.

WHY:The quality and/or timing of speech can be disrupted by a variety of factors such as a speech disorder and a noisy environment, impacting listeners’ ability to accurately perceive spoken messages. This study is designed to better understand the factors that underlie effective spoken communication, in order to identify speaker-based strategies to improve the outcomes of communication under disrupted conditions (e.g., for individuals with speech disorders).

HOW:Participants will complete a single lab visit lasting about 1 hour. During the visit, participants will go through a hearing screening test, complete a few questionnaires, and perform various listening tasks. All study procedures involve minimal risks.

WHERE:Speech Science and Disorders Lab @ University of Kansas - Lawrence

 

You are invited to participate in this study if you:

  • Age > 18 years
  • Speak American English as your first and primary language
  • Have no history of speech, language, hearing, cognitive, or neurologic disorders

 

Qualified participants will receive:

  • $15 compensation
  • Free parking on the KU-Lawrence campus

 

For more information, please contact us at:

Phone: 785-864-0053                      Email: MSDProject.SSDLab@gmail.com