Kendrea L. (Focht) Garand, PhD, CScD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CBIS, CCRE

Founder (2017) and Past Director (2017-2022)

SDI Mission

The SDI lab was founded by Dr. Garand in 2017. The SDI lab focuses on understanding how aging impacts swallowing function and how disease contributes to swallowing impairment (dysphagia), particularly patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). More specifically, our lab investigates:

• Coordination of breathing and swallowing

• Respiratory-swallow training on improving respiratory-swallow coordination

• Impact of pulmonary function on speech and swallowing function

• Treatment paradigms on improving swallowing function

Contact Us

Swallowing Disorders Initiative Lab

5721 USA Drive North

HAHN 1119

Mobile, AL 36688

Telephone: (251) 445-9395

Email: swallowresearch@southalabama.edu