Team Members

Swallowing Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory

Dr. Ali Barikroo, PhD., SLP, Director

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) in Isfahan, Iran in 2004. I went on to earn my Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR) in Tehran, Iran in 2007. Before starting my Ph.D., I had served as a researcher, active clinician, lecturer, and clinical supervisor in various clinical and educational settings in Iran. I began my Ph.D. in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at the University of Florida -Gainesville in 2012. During my Ph.D. I had the opportunity to get involved as a research assistant in different cutting-edge research projects in the area of swallowing. I received my Ph.D. in 2017 with my final dissertation’s focus on optimizing the existing electrical stimulation protocol for dysphagia rehabilitation. I joined as an assistant professor at Kent State Speech Pathology & Audiology Program in Fall 2017 and established SPARRLab. I can be reached by email at abarikro@kent.edu.

Mitchell McLean, Graduate Lab Coordinator

I grew up in a town right outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology with two minors in Spanish and Psychology from Kent State University in December 2020. I returned to Kent State to complete my Master of Arts in Speech Pathology. I am excited for this opportunity to experience the different projects that will occur in the SPARR lab. I can be reached by email at mmclean6@kent.edu

Elizabeth Bihari, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I’m currently a junior at Kent State studying Speech Pathology and Audiology and pursuing a minor in Autism Spectrum Disorders. I grew up in Tuscarawas County where I attended New Phila High School. I’m really excited for the unique hands on experience that working in the SPARR lab will give me. I can be reached at ebihari@kent.edu

Lauren Falter, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I graduated from Revere high school, between Cleveland and Akron, in 2020. Now at Kent State, I am studying Speech Pathology and Audiology and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I am so excited for the opportunity to explore the medical aspect of the field as a research assistant in the SPARR lab! I can be reached by email at lfalter@kent.edu.

Riley Burke, Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am from Youngstown, Ohio, and I graduated from Ursuline High School in 2020. I am a Junior at Kent State currently studying to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology, and I am pursuing a minor in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work in the SPARR lab and get valuable hands-on experience as an undergrad student! I can be reached by email at rburke17@kent.edu.

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