University of Virginia and Imaging & Communication Outcomes Lab
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Imaging & Communication Outcomes Lab
Participate

Participate in research. Shape better care.

Participant interest form →View featured studies
A researcher and child participant beside an MRI scanner
Opportunities to participate

Explore our studies.

Families make this work possible. Your participation will shape the future of care and help to improve outcomes for children with craniofacial differences. Explore our featured studies or join our registry to hear about opportunities for you or your child. Enrollment changes over time, so the participant registry is the best way to tell us you are interested in current or future opportunities.

Three-dimensional MRI analysis of the velopharyngeal mechanism
Recruiting participantsNIH Funded

Speech Imaging Study

Help us understand how anatomy shapes speech and improve assessment and treatment planning for children.

Who can joinWe are recruiting children ages 4–17 with:
  • Normal anatomy and no speech disorders
  • A history or diagnosis of cleft palate and/or velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).
What to expectOne study visit lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Study visit includes:
  • A brief MRI scan
  • Speech analysis
What you receiveA $100 gift card for participating.
Express interest in this study →
VPD Outcomes Study
Ask about availability

Surgical Outcomes Study

Research focused on understanding variation in velopharyngeal dysfunction and treatment outcomes.

Compensatory Error Study
Details forthcoming

Compensatory Error Study

Study information and enrollment details will be shared as they become available.

Join the registry →
MRI Implementation Survey
Enrollment closed

MRI Implementation Survey

A provider survey examining perceived limitations and clinical barriers to MRI use in cleft and craniofacial care.

Speech Perception Study
Ask about availability

Speech Perception Study

Research exploring how speech differences are perceived and understood by listeners.

Express interest →
Current and future studies

Join the participant registry.

Completing the interest form allows the iCO Lab to contact you about research opportunities for you or your child.

Complete the interest form →Submitting the form does not obligate you to participate.
Participation is voluntaryYou can ask questions before deciding whether a study is right for you.
Eligibility variesEach study has its own age, diagnosis, and participation requirements.
Families are our partnersWe work to make research visits clear, respectful, and approachable.
If I register, what does it mean?

Joining the participant registry provides an easy way for you to learn about studies for which you or your child may be qualified. If you or your child may be a good fit for a study, the research team may contact you by phone or email so you can learn more. You decide whether to enroll in any specific study, and there is no obligation to participate.

Who can join iCO Lab studies?

Infants, children, and adults of all ages can express interest in participating, including individuals with or without disabilities or delays. We will review your interests and reach out if there is a potential study fit!

MRI scanner and participant preparation
Preparing for a study visit

Know what to expect.

Our MRI Parent Information and Child Preparation Website was designed by Kazlin Mason, PhD, CCC-SLP, in collaboration with Jamie Perry, PhD, CCC-SLP. It helps children and families become familiar with an MRI scan and complete preparation activities before a research visit.

Visit Your MRI Adventure →
Questions?

Talk with our research team.

Visit417 Emmet St. South
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Call434-924-0542
Enrollment closed

MRI Implementation Survey

For providers who are members of a cleft or craniofacial team.

Who
Providers on cleft and craniofacial teams.
What
A 10-minute online survey.
Enrollment
Closed. Thank you for participating!

About the study

This study examines perceived limitations of MRI and barriers to its clinical use in assessing patients with cleft and craniofacial differences. Findings may help improve access to and implementation of MRI in clinical practice, supporting the quality of care for people with cleft lip and palate.

Participation incentive

Survey respondents had the opportunity to enter a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards.

Study oversight

This project was reviewed and approved by the University of Virginia Institutional Review Board (UVA IRB-SBS). Dr. Kazlin Mason is the Principal Investigator.

Click here to access the survey ↗
Ask about availability

Surgical Outcomes Study

For children and adults with a history of velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) and/or cleft palate.

Who
Children and adults with a history of VPD and/or cleft palate.
What
Two–three study visits involving MRI and speech assessment.
Participation
Contact the lab about current availability.

About the study

We use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and speech assessment to study individuals born with cleft lip and/or palate. We examine changes in anatomy before and after surgery, as well as changes over time.

Findings may help improve speech outcomes and reduce the cost and burden of care associated with VPD treatment.

What participants receive

Participants receive a gift card after each study visit as a thank you for their time and participation.

Study oversight

This project has been reviewed and approved by the University of Virginia Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences Research (UVA IRB-HSR). Dr. Kazlin Mason is the Principal Investigator.

Explore the MRI preparation website ↗

Express interest in this study →