Research and Education dedicated to Swallowing Disorders 

Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences 

University of New Mexico

Our lab conducts research investigating the essential characteristics of oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal motor function as it relates to swallow function across the lifespan in healthy individuals and individuals with various disorders. 

Our studies focus on the following research questions:

• Can a clinical framework be developed to help support reduced adverse events for individuals who aspirate? 

• What is the optimal dosing for strengthening of oral motor system to improve swallow function? Do changes in oral motor strength and endurance result in changes in swallow performance?

• What is the impact of OPMD, a rare disease with a high incidence in New Mexico, on oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal function as it relates to speech, voice and swallowing? Can we find ways to successfully slow or halt the effects of OPMD on oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal function? What is the efficacy of standard swallow treatments in patients with OPMD?

• Is stability a good measure of oral motor function and is it more sensitive to age and/or disease than our current measures?

• Can pharyngeal constriction serve as an estimate of pharyngeal strength?

• What is the current standard of care for treatment of swallowing in NM? What is the impact of frame rate on interpretation of swallow deficits and treatment?