University of Toronto - Speech-Language Pathology

Speech Production
Research Lab

We are pioneering AI-driven solutions for understanding and treating motor speech disorders. Join us in developing cutting-edge digital tools that transform lives.

4
Active Projects
150+
Publications
9+
Team Members
20+
Years of Research

Our Research

Exploring the complexities of motorspeech disorders through rigorous scientific inquiry and clinical innovation.

AI-assisted Multimodal Digital Remote Screening for Bulbar ALS

Bulbar ALS Screening

AI-assisted Multimodal Digital Remote Screening for Bulbar ALS

Developing AI-powered tools for remote screening of bulbar symptoms in ALS patients to support timely referral to SLP care.
Digital Neurologic Assessment: An AI Solution for Development of Remote Cranial Nerve Examination

Digital Neuro Assessment

Digital Neurologic Assessment: An AI Solution for Development of Remote Cranial Nerve Examination

An AI solution enabling accurate neurological cranial nerve assessments outside clinical settings.
Multimodal Remote Screening for Bulbar Dysfunction in Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis Screening

Multimodal Remote Screening for Bulbar Dysfunction in Myasthenia Gravis

Multimodal remote screening approaches to detect and monitor bulbar dysfunction in MG patients.
Strengthening Oropharyngeal Muscles as a Novel Approach to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Strengthening Oropharyngeal Muscles as a Novel Approach to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Investigating oropharyngeal muscle strengthening as a novel therapeutic approach for obstructive sleep apnea.

Our Team

A dedicated group of researchers and clinicians committed to advancing the field of motor speech disorders.

Dr. Yana Yunusova

Dr. Yana Yunusova

PhD, CCC-SLP, CASLPO

Principle Investigator and Lab Director

Dr. Yana Yunusova is a Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto, a Senior Scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute as well as a Senior Scientist at KITE University Health Network.

Madhura Kulkarni

Madhura Kulkarni

MD, MPH

Lab Manager

Madhura is the lab manager for the Speech Production Lab at the University of Toronto and also manages ongoing projects at the Bulbar Function Lab at Sunnybrook Research Institute.

Ivan Chumakov

Ivan Chumakov

MSc

Research Manager

Ivan is a Research Manager at the Bulbar Function Lab at Sunnybrook Research Institute. His work focuses on leading the development and advancement of the lab's technology platform.

Nevena Musikic

Nevena Musikic

PhD

Post-doctoral Fellow

Nevena is a post-doctoral fellow in the Speech Production Lab. Her research focuses on applied multimodal machine learning methods for digital biomarker development in neurodegenerative diseases.

Jennifer Soriano

Jennifer Soriano

PhD

Post-doctoral Fellow

Jennifer is a post-doctoral fellow in the Speech Production Lab. Her research focuses on advancing dysarthria research and clinical practice.

Anna Huynh

Anna Huynh

MHSc, CASLPO

PhD Candidate

Anna Huynh is pursuing a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences with a major in Speech-Language Pathology at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute.

Judy Wang

Judy Wang

BSc

Masters Student

Judy is pursuing a MSc in the Speech Production Lab as part of the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto.

Mahri Kadyrova

Mahri Kadyrova

B.Eng

Doctoral Student

Mahri is pursuing a PhD in the Speech Production Lab. Her research focuses on automatic analysis of tongue movements in neurodegenerative diseases.

Vishnu Akundi

Vishnu Akundi

B.Eng

Doctoral Student

Vishnu is pursuing a PhD in the Speech Production Lab. His research focuses on multimodal analyses of acoustic and kinematic data in neurodegenerative diseases.

Opportunities

Join our team and contribute to groundbreaking research in motorspeech disorders. We have opportunities for students, researchers, and community members.

Graduate Students

Join our lab for thesis/dissertation projects with hands-on experience in cutting-edge speech assessment and AI-driven research.

Post-Doctoral Fellows

Advanced training program with opportunities to develop independent research projects and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Students

Summer research program for undergraduate students interested in brain sciences and speech research at Sunnybrook Research Institute.

Work and Study Opportunities

Explore current job postings and work-study positions at the University of Toronto related to our research areas.

Research Study Participants

Help advance our understanding of speech disorders. We are recruiting healthy controls and individuals with neurological conditions for ongoing studies.

Contact Us

Interested in our research or joining our team? Get in touch with us.

Send Us a Message
Fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Lab Location

Department of Speech Language Pathology
University of Toronto
500 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7

Office Hours
Monday - Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday - SundayClosed

We look forward to hearing from you!

Whether you are a student, researcher, or potential participant