About Us

Our Mission

We are a team of researchers focused on applications of imaging technology to study speech physiology & optimize surgical outcomes for children with cleft palate and craniofacial differences.

  • Imaging Technology
  • 3D Visualization
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Precision Medicine

The University of Virginia Imaging & Communication Outcomes Lab, under the direction of Kazlin Mason, PhD CCC-SLP, is dedicated to improving speech and surgical outcomes for individuals born with craniofacial differences. Our methodologies integrate imaging technology, 3D computer visualization, machine learning, predictive analytics, and acoustic and aerodynamic data to examine the anatomy and physiology of the speech, swallowing, and velopharyngeal mechanisms. Our goal is to utilize this knowledge to inform clinical practice and support evidence-based interventions for this population.

We are currently funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Featured News

How Technology is Revolutionizing Care for Cleft and Craniofacial Differences

UVA researchers are using cutting-edge imaging, 3D visualization and machine learning to address speech difficulties for children with cleft lip and palate. Cleft lip and cleft palate – when a baby’s lip or mouth doesn’t form completely during pregnancy – is one of the most common birth defects in the United States and this puts children at risk for difficulties in feeding, speech & language development, hearing, and dental health. But new technological advances are poised to transform treatment and drastically improve patient outcomes.

Read More

Current Projects

Anatomy and Physiology

Quantifying the Anatomy & Physiology of the Vocal Tract, Velopharynx, and Clefting

Surgical Outcomes

Assessing anatomic predictors for surgical outcomes in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction

Speech Production

Using functional imaging to assess anatomy & neurophysiology of compensatory articulation error production

Computational Modeling

Collaborative development of computational models for surgical success

Clinical Outcomes

Center-wide and multi-site analyses of clinical outcomes

Participate!

Please reach out for more information on any of our current projects or if you are interested in participating in one of our studies.

Click Here to Read Our Published Work

iCO Lab Participant Interest Form

Do you have a history of cleft lip and palate? Are you a parent of a child with a craniofacial difference?

This registry is for anyone who may be interested in participating in one of our current or upcoming studies.
Participating in the registry allows members of the iCo Lab to tell you about current and future research opportunities for you and/or your child.

Click here to open the registry

Who We Are

Kazlin Mason, PhD CCC-SLP

Principal Investigator; Lab Director

Dr. Mason is the Lab Director. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist who specializes in speech physiology and craniofacial differences. She received her fellowship training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and doctoral training in the Craniofacial Imaging Lab.

Emily Sherrod

Lab Manager

Emily is a current doctoral student pursuing her PhD in Education with a concentration in speech communication disorders. Her clinical and research interests include imaging modalities and interpretation for patients with cleft and craniofacial differences.

Layla Ranjbar

Research Assistant

Layla is a current UVA doctoral student pursuing her PhD in Data Science. She is collaborating with the lab on multiple funded research projects related to automated analytic methods.

Isabelle Liu

Research Assistant

Isabelle is a current UVA doctoral student in systems engineering. Her research passion lies in computer vision of medical imaging and data science. Beyond academics, she loves traveling, classical music and discovering new foods. At home, her relaxing companion is a cute Siamese cat, Piano.

Katherine Oshirak

Research Assistant

Katherine is a current UVA graduate student. Her clinical interests lie in pediatric head trauma, genetic conditions, dysphagia, neuromuscular disorders, and birth defects as they impact communication.

Miranda Curley

Research Assistant

Miranda is a current UVA graduate student. Her clinical interests lie in neurogenic communication disorders and dysphagia across the lifespan. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, and spending time with her husband and growing family.

Gracie Hawley

Research Assistant

Grace is a current UVA graduate student. Her clinical and research interests include speech sound disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, playing piano, watching movies, and playing with her two Golden Doodles, Bonnie and Albert.

Sarah Nadasy

Research Assistant

Sarah is a current UVA graduate student. Her research interests span pediatrics and interventions for children with cleft conditions. Her interests include learning Korean and Turkish and she is trained in judo and jiu jitsu.

Aubriana Marranca

Research Assistant

Aubriana is a current UVA graduate student. Her clinical interests span pediatric speech and language disorders. Outside of academics, Aubriana enjoys running, spending time with friends and family, and exploring the area around Charlottesville!

Caleigh Hampton

Research Assistant

Caleigh is a current UVA graduate student. interested in speech production and cognitive linguistics. In her free time, she enjoys baking, watching movies, and painting. Fun fact: she is ambidextrous!

Lauren Tidwell

Research Assistant

Lauren is a current UVA graduate student and a board certified music therapist. She has lead recruitment for our cleft palate MRI studies. In her free time, she loves hiking, practicing yoga, making music, and crocheting!

Taylor Scoggin

Research Assistant

Taylor is a current UVA graduate student. She is supporting lab processes and procedures related to participant recruitment and data collection.

Taylor Parrish

Research Assistant

Taylor is a current CSD graduate student. Her current clinical interests include acquired communication disorders and pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, running, and spending time with her dog, Maverick.

Hannah Burns

Research Assistant

Hannah is a current graduate student. Her clinical interests are in the areas of NICU care, particularly the needs of infants with craniofacial differences. This is inspired by her previous experience working as an EMT for Maine’s NICU/PICU critical care ambulance.

Gloria Ren

Research Assistant

Gloria is a current UVA undergraduate student majoring in Speech Communication Disorders. Her clinical and research interests lie in pediatric and neonatal speech differences. In her off hours, she spends her time basking in the outdoors, listening to podcasts, and working on puzzles. Fun fact: her favorite flowers are pink tulips.

Meghan Lepsis

Research Assistant

Meghan is a current UVA undergraduate student studying Speech Communication Disorders. She is still exploring her research interests within the realm of Speech Pathology. In her free time, she loves to volunteer, read, and travel. One fun fact about Meghan is that she published a novel in high school.

Jai Arora

Research Assistant

Jai is a current UVA undergraduate student majoring in Human Biology. His research interests are related to surgery and imaging technology. In his free time, he loves to watch and play sports, go to the gym, and spend time with his family and friends.

Jenna Stutzman

Research Assistant

Jenna is a current undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Linguistics. She is interested in speech production disorders and craniofacial surgery outcomes. In her free time, she loves to read, write, do crosswords, and work out.

Join the team!


The lab often has positions for interested graduate and undergraduate students.

Please click here for more information and reach out to the lab director with any questions.

      • Hannah Sypniewski (2018 – 2020)
        Capstone Publication: A Comparative Analysis of Graduate Education for Low Incidence Disorders (presented at national level)
      • Sydney Cadogan (Lab Manager, 2019 – 2021)
        Thesis: A Novel Application of Natural Language Processing for the Assessment of Communication Outcomes Post-Stroke (presented at state & national level)
      • Emily Sherrod (2019 – 2020)
        Capstone Project: Perceptual Changes in Voice Following Surgical Adaptations to The Vocal Tract
      • Makaela Purcell (2020 - 2021)
        Project: A Survey of Practice Patterns for SLPs Related to Cleft/Craniofacial Care (presented at national level)
      • Cayla Eason (2020 – 2022)
        Project: A Review of Imaging Methods for Assessing Velopharyngeal Function (presented at national level)
      • Natalie Park (2021 – 2022)
        Project: Visualization of the Pharyngeal Flap Surgery (presented at University Level)
      • Liz Wyer (2021 – 2022)
      • Caroline Hudgens (2020 – 2022)
        Project: Imaging analyses and 3D modeling of the velopharyngeal mechanism (presented at national level)
      • Erin Taffe (2021 – 2023)
        Project: Assessment of Acute Laryngeal Injury Following Intubation
      • Bailey Hansen (2021 – 2023)
        Project: Analysis of velopharyngeal measurement techniques (presented at national level)
      • Lily Kase (2022 – 2024)
        Project: Clinical Applications for 3D Segmentation of the Lateral Pharyngeal Walls (presented at national level)
      • Sage Miller (2022 – 2023)
        Project: Analysis of Velopharyngeal Anatomy in Patients with Kabuki Syndrome (presented at national level)
      • Kenn Dela Cruz (2022 – 2024)
        Project: Neurobiological Correlates and Listener Perception of Cleft-Related Speech Errors (presented at national level)
      • Rebecca Parks (2022 – 2024)
        Project: Application of 3D Modeling Methods for Velopharyngeal Assessment
      • Ellie Botz (2022 – 2024)
        Project: Imaging and Longitudinal Assessment of Speech Sound Errors (presented at national level and published in AJSLP)
      • Sammy Vadlamani (2023 – 2025)
        Project: Data Annotation for Automated Speech Analytics

      • Molly Goodall (2024)
      • Irelyn Hearn (2024)
      • Zoe Tekeian (2024)
      • Kendall Peterson (2024)
      • Bridget Dinora (2024)
      • Clara Ambrosino (2024)
      • McKenzie Sullivan (2024)
      • Kennedy Wilkins (2023), Past Lab Manager
      • Stephanie Rodriguez (2023)
      • Neyda Villatoro (2023)
      • Lexi Kohler (2023)
      • Caillie Smith (2022)
      • Leah McConnell (2022)
      • Emily Kagey (2022)
      • Isabelle Kress (2022)
      • Nikitha Yemisetty (2022)
      • Morgan Brown (2022)
      • Sarah Naidu- USOAR Scholar (2021)
      • Kirsty Thompson (2021)
      • Nicole Gannow (2019-2020)
      • Todd Kirks (2019)
      • Rainy Sun (2019)
      • Monica Campbell (2019)
      • Mackenzie Cooper (2019)
      • Brittany Andris (2019)
      • Emily Sigmon (2019)
      • Katy Butler (2019)
      • Ricardo Vallejo (2019)

      Contact Us

      Imaging & Communication Outcomes Lab at UVA

      Our lab is located in Bavaro Hall on Emmet Street South, just across the pedestrian bridge from the University of Virginia Bookstore and Newcomb Hall. Enter through the Sheila Johnson Center. Vistor parking is available and parking passes can be obtained from the front desk.

      417 Emmet St. South
      Charlottesville, VA 22903
      +1 434-924-0542