Research Labs

Child Language Lab

Dr. Judith Goodman’s child language lab focuses on how children acquire and use linguistic knowledge from the very first stages of language learning.  Her current projects are concerned with the cognitive mechanisms that underlie vocabulary and grammar acquisition, the role of parental input in vocabulary acquisition, the relationship between learning in different language domains, and the development of conversation.  The lab is equipped with a testing room including a wall-mounted video camera for recording experimental sessions, two video viewing/transcription stations, and computers with software for language and statistical analysis, database management, and report writing.

Laryngeal Physiology Lab

Dr. Nandhu Radhakrishnan’s laryngeal physiology lab focuses on the interpretation of the dynamics of human voice production.  Acoustic, aerodynamic, and kinematic vocal aspects in normal, pathological, and performance-related voice measures are recorded and analyzed using state-of-the-art equipment.  The lab is also used to train students in both clinical and research aspects of speech science.  The equipment also can be used to provide visual feedback for both vocal performers and patients with voice disorders to achieve their target voice.  Future research projects will focus on designing vocal exercises for healthy voice production.

Dr. Stacy Wagovich’s language and fluency lab focuses on language and fluency examination, transcription, coding, and analysis.  Currently underway are (a) an NIH/NIDCD-funded study examining partial word knowledge growth in school-age children with language and reading difficulties, and (b) a UMC Research Council-funded study focusing on the relationship between conversational language and fluency in young children who stutter.  The lab includes a testing area for school-age children and adults, digital video and audio recorders, two video viewing/transcription stations, desktop and laptop computers equipped with software for language coding and analysis, and a range of formal measures of language and fluency.

Language and Memory Lab

Dr. Linda Day's language and memory lab is home to projects involving investigations of the interaction of memory and language across the lifespan and in aphasia.  A large state-wide epidemiological project investigating the effects of birthweight on the development of speech, language, and hearing is based here, as well.  This lab has computing, digitizing, and transcription equipment.

Dr. Barry Slansky’s neurogenic communication disorders lab focuses on the investigation of speech, language, and cognitive impairments following brain injury.  Current studies involve individuals with aphasia, dysarthria, and traumatic brain injury.  The lab is equipped to collect high-quality analog and digital audio signals. Digital signal processing computer workstations include the Computerized Speech Laboratory (CSL), Multi-Dimensional Voice Profile (MDVP), Nasometer II, VisiPitch, and SonaSpeech. High quality audio equipment and computer-controlled experiment presentation software is also available for perceptual studies.  Other statistical and clinically-oriented software is used for research and instructional purposes. 

back to CSD home page