RESEARCH

ARTICULATORY KINEMATICS

In an effort to gain a better understanding of motor impairments in people with Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their effects on speech intelligibility, we have recently begun to use an electromagnetic articulography system (Wave, NDI, Canada). We are currently collaborating with other labs who have the facilities and prior experience to expand this line of research. Supported by LSU HSS Support for New Technology, 2016, $55,890, Co-PI: Yunjung Kim, LSU Faculty Research Grant, 2017, $10,000, PI: Yunjung Kim, and LA BoR RCS Support, 2019-2020, $18,388. PI: Yunjung Kim

ULTRASOUND IMAGING

Recently, our lab became equipped with ultrasonic imaging tools and starts using this new technique to investigate the dorsal surface of the tongue and the surfaces of the lateral pharyngeal walls for stop consonant productions in both typical and atypical speakers (e.g., L2 English learners). Supported by (1) 2017 LSU Student Tech Fee, $45,692. mPI: Yunjung Kim and (2) 2019 LSU HSS Summer Research Fellowships, $5,000, PI: Yunjung Kim.

CROSS-LANGUAGE STUDIES OF DYSARTHRIA

We still have only a very limited understanding of the role of native languages in manifestation of dysarthria characteristics. Answering questions about this is essential for understanding the general nature of dysarthria with respect to the interaction between sound systems and motor control deficits. This will emphasize dysarthria as a communication disorder that actively interplays with speech sounds rather than a comorbidity disorder accompanying neurological disease. Supported by NIH NIDCD 012405, 2012-2017. $426,999. PI: Yunjung Kim