overview

• My clinical and translational research interests stem from my continued goal of developing targeted behavioral intervention protocols, and ultimately improved functional outcomes, for special populations. I am a certified, licensed speech-language pathology with training and expertise in the assessment and treatment of voice and swallowing disorders. I have been involved in several projects aiming to optimize organ-preservation treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer patients. Specifically, my projects have related swallowing, taste, and cough measures to radiation toxicities, patient characteristics, and physiological and functional outcomes. My primary doctoral work has incorporated areas of dysphagia, food science, and kinesiology which led to the study, Taste, Saliva, and Swallowing: Ingredients for Nutritional Success in Head and Neck Cancer, that was funded by the Favre Award for Innovation for an amount of $15,000. My co-leadership in this research endeavor with a dietitian led to a collaborative effort that aimed to improve swallowing and nutritional outcomes for our patients. In addition, I have analyzed treatment outcomes for adductor spasmodic dysphonia using a novel treatment approach. These previous experiences have led to successful collaboration with other researchers and medical staff for multiple completed or in progress projects, presentations, and publication. As a result of these experiences, I am aware of the importance of isolating the physiological contributors to communication and swallowing disorders.