Name: Claudia Raines, M.S., CF-SLP
University: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

"As a speech scientist and clinician, my research focuses on the mechanisms underlying speech and swallowing impairments in individuals with neurological diseases.  Through kinematic and perceptual speech analyses, I aim to identify disease-specific motor impairments and their perceptual consequences, with a particular interest in how behavioral speech therapy cues—such as clear, loud, and slow speech—impact speech production.  Additionally, I explore swallowing physiology and safety in individuals with neurological conditions such as Huntington’s Disease (HD) to address the pressing need for improved screening and management of dysphagia in this population.  My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application, providing a scientific basis for personalized assessment and treatment strategies."