Speech, Language, and Communication Recovery in Adults

Research Labs

Brain Research on Chronic Aphasia (BRoCA) Lab

Directed by Dr. Jacquie Kurland, the BRoCA Research Lab aims to develop a clinically feasible, psychometrically robust test of communication success in aphasia that is sensitive across the spectrum of aphasia severity. Working with an interdisciplinary team, we are leveraging large language models to automate the process of generating and scoring main concepts in story retelling. Ultimately, these tools will enable clinicians and clinical researchers to utilize novel, personalized stimuli to assess communication outcomes in various populations with speech, language, and communication impairments across the lifespan.

Inclusive Research on Language Processes (IRL) Lab

The IRL Lab is directed by Dr. Jennifer Mack. The IRL research team studies the language processes that support real-life communication between people with aphasia and fellow community members, such as local workers. The IRL team uses experimental psycholinguistic methods to learn about the processes that take place when community members listen to people with aphasia. They also use practical interventions, like aphasia identification cards, to try to enhance these processes in order to support communication success.