Our Team
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Thea Knowles, PhD CCC-SLP
I am an Assistant Professor in Communicative Sciences & Disorders at Michigan State University. Previously I was an Assistant Professor in Communicative Disorders and Sciences department at the University at Buffalo. I completed a combined MClSc/PhD in Communication Sciences & Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology) and Health & Rehab Sciences (Speech & Language Science) at Western University in London, Ontario (🇨🇦). See my latest CV here.
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Aishwarya Ramani, MS. ASLP
Update! Dr. Ramani is now a recent graduate after successfully defending her PhD in 2026. Congratulations!
I am a certified audiologist and a speech-language pathologist from India. I completed my undergraduate (BASLP) from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India, and my Master’s (MASLP) from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, India. I have seven years of experience in the field of speech-language pathology and audiology, with a specialty in voice and voice disorders. Before coming to MSU, I worked as a researcher and consultant in a community-based hospital in Tamil Nadu, India. I am currently working on my dissertation.
My research interests include the effects of vocal loading in professional voice users, individuals with Parkinson's disease and elderly populations.
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Maura Philippone, MA. CCC-SLP
I am a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Communicative Sciences and Disorders Department. As a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist (SLP), my research investigates how SLPs can leverage innovative approaches and technologies (e.g., XR and game-based speech approaches) to enhance treatment outcomes for adults with neurogenic voice and speech difficulties. Before coming to MSU, I earned my undergraduate degree from The University of Maine (Orono, ME), and earned my master's degree from The George Washington University (Washington, DC). I additionally founded and currently co-direct Forward Focus (Instagram: @forwardfocusonvoice), a virtual voice journal club for voice enthusiasts to connect and discuss current findings in voice research. I strive to make the CSD field more inclusive, affirming, and equitable through my research and professional work.
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Chloe Glabach
I am a current senior at MSU majoring in neuroscience on the pre-physician assistant track. I am interested in a variety of neurological and speech disorders and am excited to be involved with the SONiC lab's research for a third year. In my free time, I figure skate on behalf of MSU's synchronized skating team.
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Ava Kardynal
I am currently a senior at MSU majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Spanish. This is my second year working as an undergraduate research assistant in the SONIC lab. My speech interests include neurological speech disorders, AAC, and fluency. In my free time, I love listening to music, watching musicals, and reading.
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Rachel Chomas
I am currently a junior at MSU majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders with a double minor in Cognitive Science, and Global Public Health and Epidemiology. I am interested in research about speech-language pathology techniques on a global scale especially for those with neurodegenerative diseases. In my free time I like to read and bake.
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Livvy Jackson
Hi! I am currently a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. I am so excited to return for my second year as an undergraduate research assistant in the SONiC Lab! I am particularly interested in working with adults with neurogenic communication disorders, especially those associated with neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
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Keira Hausler
I am currently a sophomore undergraduate student studying Communicative Sciences and Disorders. This is my second semester working in the SONiC Lab and I am hoping to become a certified SLP in the future. One of my favorite things to do outside of the SONiC lab is go to SALT with my friends. Some more interests outside of the lab are reading, listening to new music, and spending time with friends.
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Ayanna Soto
Ayanna is a fifth-year undergraduate pre-med student pursuing a bachelor's degree in supply chain management. While completing her pre-med courses, Ayanna developed an interest in neurodegenerative disorders and joined the SONiC Lab to explore her newfound interest. In her free time she enjoys playing and watching soccer with her friends.
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Sydney Shevela
Hi! I’m currently a senior at MSU majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. I'm excited to be working as an undergraduate research assistant in the SONiC Lab. I'm most interested in adults with aphasia and Parkinson's disease, and I also volunteer at a speech clinic where I get to work one on one with patients in these areas. Outside of school, I enjoy golfing, running and spending time with friends and family.
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Sara Cook
Update! Sara is a now a recent graduate from the MSU CSD Master’s program and completing her clinical fellowship.
I earned my undergraduate degree from MSU with a double major in Linguistics and CSD, which fueled my interest in the intersection of language and neurological conditions. My research focuses on working with adults who have acquired neurological speech disorders, and I also have particular interest in how dialects and multilingualism influence these disorders and their treatment. In my free time, I enjoy baking and crocheting.
MI Parkinson Hero Walk, 2025
MI Parkinson Hero Walk, 2025
MI Parkinson Hero Walk, 2025: Sound Level Meter Activity
MI Parkinson Hero Walk, 2025: Sound Level Meter Activity
MI Parkinson Hero Walk, 2025
MI Parkinson Hero Walk, 2025
Leading vocal exercises at the MI Parkinson Foundation Hero Walk, 2025
Leading vocal exercises at the MI Parkinson Foundation Hero Walk, 2024
Parkinson Hero Walk Table, 2024
Our lab's table at the MI Parkinson Foundation Hero Walk, 2024
Science Fest, 2025
Science Fest, 2025
Grandparents University, 2024
Grandparents University, 2024
MSHA
MSHA
MSHA
Science Fest, 2023
Science Fest, 2023
Science Fest, 2024
Science Fest, 2024
Kelly Gates at the Motor Speech Conference, 2024
Sara Cook and Sparty at UURAF, 2024
Motor Speech Conference, 2024
Lab meeting
Lab meeting
MI Parkinson Hero Walk, 2023
MI Parkinson Hero Walk, 2023
Science Fest, 2023
Science Fest, 2023
Science Fest, 2023
Head and Torso Simulator set-up (thanks to Dr. Vijay Parsa at Western University)
ASA, 2023
Adrián Castillo-Allendes & Thea at ASA 2023
Aishwarya Ramani at ASHA 2023
Kelly Gates at ASHA 2023
Dariana demonstrating our lab set-up in 2021 (University at Buffalo)
Zoom lab meeting 2021 (University at Buffalo)
SONiC Lab Alum
Michigan State University:
Brooke Emerick
Alison Garon
University at Buffalo:
Kelly Gates
Gursharan Badh
Dariana Borowiec
Matt Valerio
Norma Hernandez
Christy Deng
Kassandra Kinkead
Emily Dominisch
Laura Grande
Katie Hickey
Emma Makin
Megan Gigliello
Abi Dadzie