01
Relationship Between Age and Diagnosis on Volumetric and Linear Velopharyngeal Measures in the Cleft and Noncleft Populations
Examines age and diagnostic differences in three-dimensional and linear measures of velopharyngeal anatomy.
Our Research
Connecting anatomy to clinical decisions.
Our approach
Our work combines clinical imaging, speech assessment, quantitative anatomic analysis, and collaborative technology development to understand how anatomy shapes speech physiology and to improve how treatment decisions are made.
We aim to translate research into clinical tools, share new knowledge with the scientific community, and contribute to the broader conversations that are shaping the future of speech and craniofacial care.
Across our projects, we are working toward connected workflows in which anatomy is measured consistently, function can be tested computationally, treatment options can be evaluated more deliberately, and the resulting information can be communicated in a form that a craniofacial team can actually use.
-
VISUALIZE & MEASURE
Quantify anatomy.
Measure anatomy consistently with clinical imaging and quantitative analysis.
Explore imaging -
SIMULATE
Test function.
Use computational models to test function and explore how anatomy shapes speech physiology.
Explore modeling -
EVALUATE
Advance treatment.
Evaluate treatment options more deliberately using patient-specific information.
Explore treatment planning -
TRANSLATE
Communicate results.
Translate the results into clear, clinically useful information for craniofacial teams.
Explore clinical translation
Research Themes
Defining and visualizing anatomy
MRI, measurement, and pediatric imaging
We use high-resolution MRI to measure the muscles, soft tissues, and airway involved in speech production. We study how anatomy varies with growth, diagnosis, and different surgical interventions and we develop fully awake, child friendly MRI protocols that young children can complete.
What this work produces
Consistent anatomic measurements, reference data, and pediatric imaging protocols.
Questions we study
- How does velopharyngeal anatomy vary with age, diagnosis, and surgical history?
- Which anatomic measurements distinguish typical from atypical function?
- How can we obtain reliable MRI data in awake young children?
Related publications and research
02
Measurement Matters: MRI Analysis of Differing Anatomic Measurement Techniques for Velar Length and the Velopharyngeal Needs Ratio
Compares approaches to measuring velar length and the velopharyngeal needs ratio.
03
Achieving Clinical Success in Nonsedated Velopharyngeal Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Optimizing Data Quality and Patient Selection
Evaluates scan quality and patient selection for fully awake pediatric velopharyngeal MRI.
04
Does the Type of MRI Sequence Influence Perceived Quality and Measurement Consistency in Investigations of the Anatomy of the Velopharynx?
Examines imaging sequence choice, perceived image quality, and consistency of anatomic measurements.
Connecting structure to function
Speech physiology and computational models
We pair imaging with speech assessment to study how anatomy affects resonance and velopharyngeal function. MRI-informed computational models let us test how muscle activation and anatomic differences impact velopharyngeal function.
What this work produces
Relationships between anatomy and speech outcomes, and novel alternative models for testing velopharyngeal function.
Questions we study
- Which anatomic features are associated with hypernasality and velopharyngeal dysfunction?
- How does muscle activation change velopharyngeal closure?
- Which anatomic factors may predict surgical need or outcome?
Related publications and research
01
Levator Veli Palatini Muscle Ratio Is a Clinically Significant Anatomic Predictor for Velopharyngeal Surgical Need
Connects quantitative muscle anatomy with the clinical recommendation for speech surgery.
02
A Computational Model Reveals How Varying Muscle Activation in the Lateral Pharyngeal Wall and Soft Palate Differentiates Velopharyngeal Closure Patterns
Uses computational modeling to test how muscle activation changes closure patterns.
Advancing treatment
Surgical planning and treatment development
We use patient-specific simulations to examine surgical options. With surgeons, engineers, and materials scientists, we are also investigating biomaterial technologies for velopharyngeal dysfunction.
What this work produces
Simulated treatment scenarios and preclinical evaluation of new interventions.
Questions we study
- How do variations in surgical procedure and technique impact velopharyngeal closure?
- Can patient-specific models help evaluate treatment options before intervention?
- Can biomaterials for tissue augmentation be tailored to individual anatomy and functional needs?
Related publications and research
01
Simulation of Velopharyngeal Biomechanics Identifies Differences in Sphincter Pharyngoplasty Outcomes: A Matched Case-Control Study
Uses patient-specific simulations to explore how surgical placement and anatomy contribute to different outcomes.
02
Is a Customized Hydrogel a Viable Solution for Long-Term Posterior Pharyngeal Wall Augmentation?
Conference abstract on customized hydrogel augmentation. Link opens the lab bibliography containing the citation.
Clinical translation & technology development
Automated analysis and clinical tools
We are developing automated image analysis, patient-specific models, and standardized reporting to make research findings usable by craniofacial teams.
What this work produces
Segmentation and measurement tools, clinically useful reports, and practical imaging methods for use across clinical sites.
Questions we study
- How can automated image analysis make anatomic measurements more consistent?
- How can patient-specific information support diagnosis and treatment planning?
- How can imaging findings be communicated clearly and integrated into clinical workflows?
Beyond velopharyngeal dysfunction
A broad translational focus across clinical domains.
Although velopharyngeal dysfunction and cleft/craniofacial conditions are central to the lab, many of the methods we develop are applicable across communication and swallowing disorders as well as surgical innovation. Our imaging and analytic approaches increasingly support research and clinical applications across the lifespan in areas including:
- Voice and laryngeal function
- Speech production
- Dysphagia
- Upper airway function
- Head and neck conditions
How we work
Clinical questions. Collaborative methods.
We work across speech-language pathology, surgery, biomedical engineering, imaging science, data science, computational modeling, materials science, and related fields. Our research is intentionally interdisciplinary.
These collaborations allow us to approach the same clinical problem from multiple directions, combining patient data, imaging, biomechanics, computation, and technology development to build a more complete understanding of function and treatment response.
Learn more about the team →Get involved