Research Corner

I was appointed Assistant Professor in UofT’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology on July 1st, 2022. In 2019, I obtained my Ph.D. from UofT’s Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. During my doctorate, I also worked clinically as a registered Speech-Language Pathologist in the outpatient stroke clinic at Providence Healthcare (Unity Health). Following my PhD, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre de Recherche de l’Institut de Gériatrie de Montréal, affiliated with the Université de Montréal.

My primary research interest lies in understanding the behavioural and neurological predictors of recovery in individuals with language deficits due to acquired neurological damage (e.g., post-stroke aphasia, primary progressive aphasia). Despite the overall efficacy of language intervention for these populations, recovery patterns can vary substantially: individuals with similar impairment profiles at baseline can show different patterns of recovery even after receiving the same treatment. My long-term research goal is to develop a “theory of therapy” which can address this knowledge gap through detailed investigations of the active elements of language therapy. My research to date has focused on how principles of learning and neuroplasticity may be harnessed to improve treatment outcomes, as well as the role of executive control (EC) in language processing. The ultimate goal of my work is to develop individualized protocols for treatment which would enable persons with communication disorders to achieve their maximum potential for language recovery.

I was initially drawn to the field of SLP after reading a novel called “Nous avons tous découvert l’Amérique” by Francine Noël, a French-Canadian author. The protagonist is an SLP, who contemplates her professional role in Canada’s multicultural society. I was drawn to the novel’s description and philosophy of the profession, which was likened to that of an architect and a translator. In addition, I have always been fascinated by the inner workings of the brain and have enjoyed poring over case studies such as those described in The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (by Oliver Sacks) or the Mind of the Mnemonist (by Alexander Luria). When I started working with adults with communication impairments in various contexts, I was moved by the personal stories and life experiences they shared with me. These are all very powerful motivators for pursuing SLP research.

So far, my first six months on the job have been exciting and very rewarding. In Unit 6 in the Fall, I taught the latter half of the Aphasia course as well as the TBI module of the Neurocognitive Communication Disorders course. The curiosity and passion for the profession shown by both students and my supportive colleagues have been particularly enriching and motivating factors for me in these early stages of my career. I look forward to the next six months (and beyond) and hope to develop and nurture collaborations with clinical colleagues in the community, as well as adults living with communication disorders across Ontario.