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.
Our Research
Exploring the complexities of motor speech disorders through rigorous scientific inquiry and clinical innovation.
Digital Screening for Bulbar ALS
AI-assisted Multimodal Digital Remote Screening for Bulbar ALS
Funded by NIH
Digital Neuro Assessment
Digital Neurologic Assessment: An AI Solution for Development of Remote Cranial Nerve Examination
Funded by NFRF
Myasthenia Gravis Assessment
Multimodal Remote Screening for Bulbar Dysfunction in Myasthenia Gravis
Funded by MDC
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Strengthening Oropharyngeal Muscles as a Novel Approach to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funded by CIHR
Our Team
A dedicated group of researchers and clinicians committed to advancing the field of motor speech disorders.
Dr. Yana Yunusova
PhD, CCC-SLP, CASLPOPrinciple 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
MD, MPHLab 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
MScResearch 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
PhDPost-doctoral Fellow
Nevena is a post-doctoral fellow in the Speech Production Lab. She is an Engineer and has completed her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on applied multimodal machine learning methods for digital biomarker development in neurodegenerative diseases.
Jennifer Soriano
PhDPost-doctoral Fellow
Jennifer is a post-doctoral fellow in the Speech Production Lab. She is a speech language pathologist and has completed her PhD in Communication Sciences & Disorders at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on advancing dysarthria research and clinical practice.
Anna Huynh
MHSc, CASLPOPhD Candidate
Anna is pursuing a PhD in Speech Language Pathology at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. She is a speech language pathologist and her research focuses on developing an online shared decision-making aid to support decisions about bulbar symptom management in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis between patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.
Judy Wang
BScMasters Student
Judy is pursuing a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. Her research focuses on development of multimodal remote screening tool to detect neuromuscular changes in orofacial muscles, speech and swallowing in patients with myasthenia gravis.
Mahri Kadyrova
B.EngDoctoral Student
Mahri is pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and is co-supervised by Dr. Yunusova. She is an Engineer and her research focuses on automatic analysis of tongue movements in neurodegenerative diseases.
Vishnu Akundi
B.EngDoctoral Student
Vishnu is pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and is co-supervised by Dr. Yunusova. He is an Engineer and his research focuses on multimodal analyses of acoustic and kinematic data in neurodegenerative diseases.
Opportunities
Join our team and contribute to groundbreaking research in motor speech 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 the foundation for independed research program.
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.
Department of Speech Language Pathology
University of Toronto
500 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7
We look forward to hearing from you!
Whether you are a student, researcher, or potential participant