Former Lab Members

Prutha Shah

Education

• 2018 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2016 B.S Communication Disorders
  Loma Linda University
• 2015 B.S. Public Health
  Santa Clara University/College of William and Mary

Research Interests

I am a second year master’s student in Communication Disorders at San Francisco State University. I am trilingual in English, Gujarati, and Hindi. Before coming to San Francisco State University, I completed my undergraduate studies in the field of Public Health from Santa Clara University. Additionally, I received a B.S. equivalent in Communication Disorders from Loma Linda University. During my time at San Francisco State, I developed a greater interest in the following topics: aphasia, traumatic brain injury, and dysarthria. Outside of the realms of speech-language pathology, I enjoy traveling, painting, and cooking. 

Olivia Chu

Education

• 2020 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2016 Post-baccalaureate in Speech & Hearing Sciences
  Portland State University
• 2010 B.S. in Biological Sciences with emphasis in Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior
  University of California, Davis

Research Interests

My previous experience as a medical interpreter made me learn to appreciate the importance of communication between people and bilingualism, which eventually led me to the field of speech-language pathology. Having had the privilege to work with patients with aphasia in the past as a student clinician, I have developed an interest in learning more about this neurologically-based language disorder, especially in the bilingual/multilingual population. The Gray Matter Lab provides me with the opportunity to learn more about these topics and to further develop the needed skills to grow as a clinician as I conduct research work involving bilingual/multilingual patients with aphasia. In the lab, I administer diagnostic tests in Cantonese and English, as well as assist with the Chinese section of a multilingual, web-based interactive tool for aphasia treatment.

Allison Comroe

Education

• 2019 B.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

I am an undergraduate majoring in Communicative Disorders and double minoring in Education and Special Education. During my studies and volunteer work, I have developed an interest in how cognition relates to language production and how traumatic brain injury and strokes can influence this process. For the past two years, I have worked at Seven Bridges Speech Therapy and look forward to pursuing my interests in the field.

Charles Escalante

Education

• 2017 B.A., Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

I have a deep desire to help people and a tremendous interest in how things work. I was born in Germany and was raised in Los Angeles. I have observed both audiologists and speech pathologists in their prospective fields. During my final year at SFSU I found that I was passionate about neurolinguistics, neuroscience, neural networks, and machine learning. I look forward to getting into a graduate degree program in the next year. Outside of academics I enjoy rock climbing in Crissy Field, exploring San Francisco, reading everyone from Noam Chomsky to Nick Bostrum, writing mainly Sci-Fi, and indulging in the amazing food that San Francisco has to offer.

Jacqueline Molina

Education

• 2018 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2015 B.S. Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education
  Utah State University
• 2012 B.A. Cognitive Linguistics
  University of California, San Diego
• 2012 B.A. Psychology
  University of California, San Diego

Research Interests

My research interests include, bilingualism and multilingualism, aphasia, and traumatic brain injury and their effects on cognitive functioning, language, and the brain. Currently, I am working on research that involves exploring and evaluating language control in terms of lexical access impairment in bilingual adults with aphasia, as well as, treatment studies that investigate and compare the training effects of linguistic and non-linguistic control treatments on language control impairment in adults with bilingual aphasia. In my free time I enjoy, hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks with my dog. I am also fluent in Spanish and English.

Nancy Ly

Education

• 2018 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2016 Post-Baccalaureate; Communicative Disorders
  California State University, Fullerton
• 2007 B.S. Child and Family Development
  San Diego State University

Research Interests

I grew up with a family that spoke English, Cantonese, and Vietnamese. Being surrounded in a multilingual environment sparked an interest in how multilingualism influences the human brain and how we connect with each other by using language. As a research assistant in the Gray Matter Lab, I aim to learn more about how languages are affected by neurological impairments, such as aphasia and traumatic brain injuries, and how languages are evolving simply in everyday communication. Currently I work on the language control study and the bilingual abSANT project. In my spare time, you can find me practicing yoga or traveling the world.

Jaimie MacDonald

Education

• 2018 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2016 B.S. Speech Pathology and Audiology
  University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine
• 2011 B.S. Political Science
  University of California, Irvine

Research Interests

As a second-year graduate student at San Francisco State University, my research interests and objectives surrounding neurological communicative disorders are multi-factorial. My fascination for neurology and neuroplasticity drives my interests in acquired neurological impairments such as traumatic brain injury or stroke. Recently, I have developed a special emphasis on the clinical evaluation and assessment of persons with aphasia. Participation in the Gray Matter Lab has provided me with further opportunities to expand my knowledge in these areas of concentration, cultivate professional collaboration, and exposure in developing evidence based therapy methods for populations with aphasia. More specifically, my focus lies on bilingual and multilingual individuals with aphasia, lexical access impairment vs language control impairment, and abstract word training in monolingual and bilingual aphasia. Increasing communicative effectiveness in individuals with neurological disorders is driven by my passion to maximize the client’s functional gains and improve their quality of life, as well as the individuals involved in the patient’s life. Beyond my academic interests, my hobbies include swimming, fishing, music, traveling to destinations where I am immersed in new cultures, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Desiree Sasunian

Education

• 2017 M.S. Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2014 B.A. Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Diego State University

Research Interests

 My research interests lie in exploring language and executive function deficits and treatment options associated with bilingual aphasia. I am bilingual in Farsi and English. In my free time, I enjoy live music, reading, art, and playing with puppies!

Rebekka Dagher

Education

• 2018 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2016 B.A. Communicative Disorders, minor in Biology
  University of Redlands

Research Interests

I was raised in a multiracial, multilingual (Arabic, Spanish, English) household, where I grew to love all aspects of language, as well as cultural diversity. As I dove deeper into the science and nitty gritty of communicative disorders, I found that I could combine both my love for language and my desire to be exposed to diversity. I am now excited to search for a niche in this field where I can work with bilingual clients from underrepresented areas and demographics. In the lab I work on the Spanish-English study that examines lexical access vs language control impairment. Outside of the educational side of my life, I enjoy backpacking, doing yoga, and traveling as much as possible!

Annalinda Harbottle

Education

• 2019 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2017 B.A., Communicative Disorders
  Minor in Special Education
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a multitude of travel experiences. Throughout these experiences, it was the interactions with the variety of people I met that would inspire me in the years to come. While studying at SFSU I have had the continued opportunity to meet different types of people from diverse walks of life, and have grown truly passionate about improving people’s lives in whatever way I can. As a research assistant in the Gray Matter Lab I work on the abSANT project and am interested in how we can maximize lexical retrieval in adults with aphasia. In my free time I like to paint, write, and continue to explore the beautiful city of San Francisco.

Daria Lucchesi

Education

• 2020 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2017 B.A., Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Working in the Gray Matter Lab has increased my interest in answering clinically relevant questions regarding communication and increasing the quality of life for mono- and bilingual patients with aphasia.  I am also interested in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and the effects of neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis on voice and speech. I am a native San Franciscan, and in my free time I love to see live music and go on hikes with my dog.  My goal is to begin the Communicative Disorders M.S. program at SF State in fall 2018.

Olivia Conner

Education

• 2018 B.A., Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University

Nestor Fragoso

Education

• 2019 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2016 B.A., Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

As a first year graduate student here at SF State, I am very much enjoying diving head first into the world of the needs of adults with communicative disorders. Specifically, my interests lie in the neurological basis of language and bilingualism, how languages influence each other in neurotypical individuals and those with aphasia or TBI, and the development of transgender voice therapies. Outside of speech and language, I spend my time cooking, dining, hiking, and honing my photography.

Michelle Kwong

Education

• 2020 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2017 Post-Baccalaureate; Communication Sciences & Disorders
  Chapman University
• 2015 B.A. Linguistics & French, Global Studies
  UCLA

Research Interests

I have had extensive experience working with children with various developmental levels in Early Intervention and in schools as a nanny, a Registered Behavior Technician in ABA, and a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant at a multi-disciplinary pediatric clinic. While working with children has been rewarding these past few years, I really wanted to expand my skill set and experience working with adults in my graduate career. The Gray Matter Lab gives me the opportunity to work with both mono- and bilingual individuals with aphasia. My research interests include exploring the relationship between generalization from the trained language vs untrained language on the BAbSANT study and how attention may play a role in this process. I've also enjoyed learning from administering diagnostic tests and attention tasks while conducting reliability on previous therapy sessions. I look forward to continuing expanding my interests in this field. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, practicing yoga, cooking, and binge-watching Netflix.

Lindsay Johnson

Education

• 2020 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2018 B.A. in Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

After shadowing a Speech Language Pathologist in a Special Education school working with emergent communicators I pursued a bachelors degree in the direction of Speech Pathology. During my time in my undergraduate degree I realized a passion and interest in neurologically related disorders with adult populations. This prompted me to spend a year shadowing a Speech Language Pathologist in an acute setting with patients post stroke with aphasia. I’ve spent the last year working in an ALS research clinic within the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) lending library. Within this role I assisted with a hands on lab at the National Speech Langauge and Hearing convention (ASHA) supporting SLPs in AAC evaluations with degenerative diseases. The areas of research I am most interested in is quality of life post aphasia diagnosis with individuals and their families. In my spare time I love walking my dog Max, mastering Indian curries from scratch, and volunteering in my community.

Monika Zacharewicz

Education

• 2019 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2017 B.A., Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

I am originally from Poland and became interested in clinical work after shadowing a speech-language pathologist. My research interests are focused on exploring the effects of language treatment in bilingual adults with aphasia and examining how effects of training the dominant or non-dominant langauage may generalize to the untrained language.  More generally, I  am interested in neurology, the brain-behavior relationship, and functional communication following brain injury.  I am also interested in learning about physiology of the swallowing mechanism and its interrelationships with other functions such as breathing and voice.  

Naomi Zaragoza

Education

• 2021 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2019 B.S. in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

I have always had a passion for helping Spanish speaking communities and the adult population. After shadowing speech-language pathologists in a hospital setting and taking the neurolinguistics course, I developed an interest in neuroplasticity and its ability to create neural connections after brain injury. Within the the Gray Matter Lab, I am mostly interested in bilingualism, aphasia, and TBI, as well as their effects on cognitive functioning and language. In my spare time, I enjoy running and spending time outdoors with my dogs.

Helena Gershwin

Education

• 2020 BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Zurisadai Hernandez Cruz

Education

• 2021 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Growing up, I always translated for my parents when they went to the hospital. It made me aware that more work and research needs to be done so bilingual communities can receive the best evidence-based rehabilitation treatment programs. When my father had a stroke, I discovered and fell in love with the field of speech pathology. Currently I work on two projects in the lab: 1) I help design and set up ePrime experiments that examine verbal and nonverbal language control in Spanish-English bilingual persons with aphasia and 2) I administer bilingual testing and treatment on the BAbSANT (bilingual abstract semantic association network treatment) study that examines cross linguistic generalization. In my future career as a speech and language pathologist, my goal is to help bilingual patients maximize their quality of life post-stroke. In my free time, I love to cook, go on adventures with my daughter, and volunteer in my community.

Michell Peck

Education

• 2021 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2019 B.S. in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Having had an extensive background working with children who are on the autism spectrum, my current interests lie in finding cutting edge, research-vetted interventions for speech-language pathologists in a variety of fields. The Gray Matter Lab’s commitment to provide evidence-based interventions that ultimately improve the quality of life for people with aphasia could not be more in tune with my ambition. I am honored to be a part of the team. In the lab, I am focused on administering treatment and diagnostic tests in Spanish and English with an interest in the maintenance of treatment outcomes over time. In my future career as an SLP, I hope to possibly expand into conducting research on voice disorders and effective treatment interventions for people who have auditory processing disorder. In my spare time, I enjoy singing, cooking, world travel, and spending time outdoors with my partner and my dog.

Julia Navarro

Lab Manager 2018-2019

Education

• 2020 M.S. Candidate; Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University
• 2017 Post-Baccalaureate; Communicative Disorders
  Idaho State University
• 2003 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree; Economics and Business Management
  Ural State University, Russia

Research Interests

Acquiring new languages has been my personal journey after I moved to the United States from Russia a decade ago. Since then, I have been continuously working in adult education and teaching Russian. This experience has led me to the field of Speech Language Pathology, and once I made this connection, there was no turning back. While learning about the neurology of language processes and innovative therapy techniques, my goal is to to provide support and improve patients’ lives through communication. In the lab, I work on three projects: 1) for the babSANT project I administer diagnostic testing and treatment in English and Russian; 2) I am collaborating on the development of the codeswitching project; and 3) I co-direct the bi-monthly Conversation Club geared to enhance the quality of life for people with aphasia.

Kate Anderson

Education

• 2021 M.S. Candidate in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2015 B.A. in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Diego State University

Research Interests

While I've spent many years convinced of my future as a speech language pathologist, the three years I spent living in Madrid, Spain, are what started my love of bilingualism within the field. As a proud member of the Gray Matter Lab, I have a powerful opportunity to pursue those interests in bilingualism, aphasia, and cross-linguistic influence, and cultivate the skills necessary for effective research and evidence based practice. My ultimate goal is to be an English-Spanish bilingual SLP with a specialization in early intervention. I believe that the most significant role we have in our field is to help individuals find and recover their voice, and I am committed to working towards that goal in every aspect that I can, both in the lab and beyond.

Melody Leñero

Education

• 2022 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Growing up deaf in one ear sparked my passion for Audiology at a very young age. As a young kid and to this day I have always wanted to help people like me, and that is what I intend to do as an Audiologist. I am most interested in working with kids who, like myself, are hard of hearing, because I feel that I can personally relate to their struggles. Volunteering with several speech pathologists has further sparked my passion for this field and has given me a good grasp on the importance of speech pathologists and what they do. Within the Gray Matter Lab I am most interested in bilingualism and recovery patterns for bilingual stroke patients. In my spare time I love to play with my chickens and dogs.

Vasilika Pules

Education

• 2020 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Hello! I am thrilled to be a research assistant in the Gray Matter Lab. My research interests focus on learning more about how the bilingual brain processes language after stroke. I work on the B/AbSANT (bilingual abstract semantic network training) project- administering treatment to an English adult with aphasia. 

Pia Etchegoin

Education

• 2017 B.A., Communicative Disorders
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

 I am passionate about helping individuals find their voice. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ever since moving to the United States I have dreamt of working with the Spanish speaking community and contributing to the field of speech and language pathology. I am very interested in research, specifically within the bilingual community. I am also passionate about helping older adults find their voice after traumatic events including brain injury and strokes. I also enjoy educating the community about important topics such as stroke prevention. In my free time I like to hike, camp and fish, while exploring the beautiful areas around California.

LAB MANAGER: Spring 2016 - Spring 2017

Yeban Lee

Education

• 2021 M.S. Candidate in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2019 Postbac program in Speech & Hearing Sciences
  University of Washington
• 2017 B.A. Media Studies with minor in journalism
  UC Berkeley

Lesley Peng

Lab Manager 2019-2020

Education

• 2021 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2019 B.S. in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Mariko Terasaki

Education

• 2022 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2019 B.S. in Communicative Disorders & Deaf Education
  Utah State University
• 2014 B.A. in American Literature & Culture
  UCLA

Alleyda Barraza

Education

• 2022 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences minoring in Statistics
  San Francisco State University

Emma Vandra

Education

• 2021 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Violeta Ayala

Education

• 2020 B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Levi Ibarra

Education

• 2021 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University 
• 2007-2011 B.S. Candidate; General Biology
  California State University East Bay 

Research Interests 

Various jobs and raising a family have certainly kept me busy for the past nine years. Up until early 2020, I worked as a package delivery driver, eventually renewing my educational career with the help of my wife. In the fall of that same year, I transferred to SFSU and joined the Gray Matter Lab. My current work in the lab includes co-leading the Spanish-English bilingual conversation club (¡Hay Que Platicar!) and investigating cognitive control mechanisms in monolingual and bilingual aphasia.

Roxana Aames

Education

• 2022 M.S. Candidate in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2020 B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Hello! I’ve volunteered at the after school program at my local elementary since I was in high school, and knew that I’d always wanted to work with children. But it wasn’t until I’ve experienced ache and ambition in the ICU when I realized I wanted to work with adults as well. So, I started the program because I value the importance of communication. And as I started this program, my passion for this subject grew with my knowledge. When I took neurology my second semester in the Speech Language and Hearing Sciences program, it motivated me to join SF State’s own Gray Matter Lab. This aphasia lab has given me insight into the world of research, and has allowed me to take the knowledge I’ve learned and apply it through practice.

Cynthia Gaspar

Education

• 2023 M.S. Candidate in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2020 B.A. in Speech-Language Pathology
  California State University Long Beach

Research Interests

My first experience working with Spanish-bilingual clients began when I volunteered at a private practice during my undergraduate program. Alongside a speech-language pathologist assistant, I provided Spanish services to children and interpreted information to Spanish-speaking parents. After this experience, I knew I wanted to become a Spanish-bilingual speech-language pathologist. Since most of my experience has been with children, I am thankful for the opportunity to work with adults. In the lab, I currently work on BAbSANT and administer Spanish diagnostic assessments to a Spanish-English bilingual adult with aphasia. 

Annabelle Schofield

Education

• 2023 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests 

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by the effects of stroke and brain injury, as my mom had a stroke when I was very young. It is with great honor and humility that I now get to contribute my efforts towards research and therapy that will increase the quality of life for people with aphasia. In the lab I am currently working on the AbSANT project and am involved in exploring cognitive control mechanisms for bilingual and monolingual patients with aphasia.

Joseph Cachapero

Education

• 2022 M.S. Candidate in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• B.S. Psychology, UC Irvine

Research Interests

Prior to joining the field of speech-language pathology, I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology at UC Irvine and completed an honors thesis on working memory and metacognition. In the Gray Matter Lab, I currently administer an intensive language intervention (Abstract Semantic Associative Network Training: AbSANT) to a monolingual adult with aphasia. I am also working on my thesis that investigates error patterns in patients who have completed AbSANT.

Cheryl Corpuz

Education

• 2022 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2018 B.S. Speech-Language Pathology
  California State University San Marcos

Research Interests

I have always been fascinated with the rehabilitation and functions of the brain after injury. As a future clinician, I want to ensure that my clients have the resources and services they need to reach their full potential. Joining the Gray Matter Lab has allowed me to delve into the research and be part of a team that aligns with own professional values. In the lab, I have completed reliability and fidelity for AbSANT, and I administer the CLQT. I also co-lead the Conversation Club for persons with aphasia which has allowed me to work with an amazing group of adults, providing them with an opportunity to build relationships with each other and continue to work on their communication skills.

Hannah Khorassani

Education

• 2022 M.S. Candidate in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2020 B.S. Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences & Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

My name is Hannah and I am currently working towards my M.S. in Speech Language Hearing Sciences. Growing up surrounded by multiple cultures, I have always been interested in multilingualism as I feel as if it allows people to connect with each other and share opportunities, creating a global community. I have also been fascinated in the brain and how it makes people original, hence why I joined the Gray Matter Lab team in 2018. In the lab, I have contributed to many projects, including the BAbSANT and AbSANT projects, as well as co-facilitated our lab’s Conversation Club. I am currently working on projects such as building experimental paradigms that tap verbal and nonverbal control mechanisms for the SF Build project, debugging and researching a bilingual naming therapy website, and organizing data for a meta-analysis

Elaine Peralta

Education 

• 2022 M.S Candidate in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences 
  San Francisco State University 

• 2020 B.S. in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences with a minor in Child and Family Development 
  San Diego State University 

Research Interests

• Through past and present clinical and research experience, I have gotten a glimpse into the life-changing effects that Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) have on their clients and families. The opportunity to have a positive impact on people motivates me most on my journey to becoming an SLP.
• In Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 I administered an intensive language intervention (Abstract Semantic Associative Network Training: AbSANT) to a monolingual adult with aphasia. I also co-facilitated our lab’s Conversation Club for persons with aphasia.
• My current focus is on administering the Cognitive and Linguistic Quick Test (CLQT) and other diagnostic tests to our patients’ pre and post-treatment. I continue to play an active role in our lab’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) discussions and meetings. I also take part in leading training for onboarding members on our lab’s reliability & fidelity treatment protocol. Overall, being a part of this lab has not only boosted my clinical acumen but given me a strong sense of community at SFSU.

Faviola Ramirez

Lab Manager 2020-2021

Education

• 2022 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2020 B.S. in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

I have always been intrigued by the different forms of communication. As I continue my educational career, I am becoming more and more fascinated with how language develops and rehabilitates after brain injury. In the Gray Matter Lab, I work on the Spanish-English bilingual treatment studies, administering bilingual diagnostic tests, cognitive assessments, and treatment.

Leanora Salazar

Education

• 2023 M.S. Candidate in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2021 B.A. in Communicative Disorders
  California State University, Fullerton

Research Interests

My areas of interest are related to working with adults in the areas of aphasia, dementia, cognition, TBI, bi/multi-lingualism, and psychosocial factors of brain injury. I worked with aphasia and TBI clients at the Brain Rehabilitation and Injury Network in Southern California for two years before joining the Gray Matter Lab (GML). GML gives me the wonderful opportunity to continue to expand my work alongside adults with aphasia through co-leading the Conversation Club, assisting in reliability/fidelity scoring, and learning how to administer bilingual diagnostic assessments. Along with my Master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, I am pursuing a Spanish-English bilingual certificate and a specialization in Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Jadine Ong Veluya

Education

• 2022 M.S. Candidate in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2020 B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

The Gray Matter Lab’s mission to improve the quality of life of individuals through evidence-based interventions aligns my own personal mission. In the lab, I collect Tagalog data and help enforce reliability and fidelity measures. I'm interested in bi/multilingualism, and my ultimate goal is to serve bilingual adults with aphasia.

Amanda Adams

Education 

• 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University 
• 2022 B.S. Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University 

Research Interests 

I have always been fascinated with linguistics and the complex nature of the brain. I joined Gray Matter Lab in Fall 2020, and it has been a great opportunity to explore language rehabilitation after brain injury. In the AY2020-2021, I administered the AbSANT (Abstract Semantic Associative Network Treatment) protocol to a monolingual adult with aphasia. I am currently co-leading Conversation Club and contributing to the development and data analyses of projects that examine the role of cognitive control in bilingual and monolingual aphasia. Being a part of Gray Matter Lab has helped develop my clinical acumen, strengthened my ability to help participants communicate effectively, and provide interventions that boost quality of life for persons with aphasia. 

Allysa Chin

Education:

• 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University 
• 2022 B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders
  Sacramento State University

Research Interests:

My research interests are focused on bi-/multi-lingualism and how the brain integrates information to achieve successful verbal and nonverbal communication. In the lab I am working on the AbSANT project, delivering an intensive naming based therapy to a monolingual adult with aphasia.

Kenly Doyle

Education 

• 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Diego State University 
• 2022 B.S. Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Coming soon!

Valerie Gregorash

Education

• 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Diego State University 
• 2016 B.A. Linguistics / Japanese
  Indiana University Bloomington

Research Interests

I have always been interested in language and received my B.A. in linguistics and Japanese from Indiana University, Bloomington. After three years of teaching English in Osaka, Japan, I completed a post-baccalaureate program at California State University, Los Angeles. My main area of interest is dysphagia, but I am also interested in neurological speech and language disorders, which is why I joined the Gray Matter Lab. I am currently working on Abstract Semantic Associative Network Training (AbSANT) with a monolingual English-speaking adult with aphasia.

Maryvi Morales

Lab Manager 2021-2022

Education

• 2023 M.S Candidate in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University
• 2020 B.S in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

Growing up bilingual led me to become invested in gaining a deeper understanding of language and communication. This eventually brought me to the field of speech and language pathology where my interest for multilingualism and the brain increased. For this reason, I joined the Gray Matter Lab because my desire was to gain more knowledge on aphasia and have the opportunity to work with a culturally and linguistically diverse population. In the lab, I currently administer a bilingual semantic feature naming therapy to Spanish-English bilingual adults with aphasia in collaboration with Boston University. I also co-lead the Spanish-English Bilingual Conversation Club that supports improving quality of life and communicative effectiveness for people with aphasia.

Bryce Olivares

Lab Manager 2022- present

Education

• 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University 
• 2022 B.S. Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University 

Research Interests

Coming soon!

Annel Rojas

Education

• 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University 
• 2021 B.S. Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  University of Arizona

Research Interests

As a bilingual speaker of English and Spanish, I became passionate about bi/multilingualism research after learning about the lack of adequate diagnostics, assessments, and treatment methods for multilingual populations. Through the Gray Matter Lab, I look forward to contributing to research, learning more about aphasia, and working with Spanish-speaking patients. Currently I co-facilitate the Spanish Conversation Club and deliver Spanish AbSANT.

Karina Tampa

Education

• 2023 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences  
  San Francisco State University  
• 2019 Post-Baccalaureate in Speech Language Pathology 
  California State University, San Marcos 
• 2015 B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Society
  University of California, Irvine 

Research Interests 

Her research interests include bilingualism, early intervention, and adult neuro rehabilitation. Currently, she co-facilitates the Spanish-English Bilingual Conversation Club which gives people with aphasia and related neurological communication disorders the opportunity to make friends, practice conversation skills, and establish a support system. Her professional experience is in early intervention, telehealth, and school settings. Her future aspiration is to be a bilingual clinician working with underserved and marginalized communities. 

Alana Tran

Education

• 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University 
• 2017 B.A. Cognitive Science/Computer Science, UC Berkeley

Research Interests

Prior to joining the field of speech-language pathology, I received my bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and Computer science at UC Berkeley. In the Gray Matter Lab, I'm currently administering various linguistic and non-linguistic cognition tests as part of GML's E-Prime team.

Alexiz Ortiz

Education

• 2023 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

My overall research interests are focused on improving language treatment outcomes after stroke and exploring how access to services impacts the ​rehabilitation process. In the lab, we work with people with aphasia who identify as BIPOC. Their experiences navigating the world of rehabilitation are quite different than their White counterparts, and I'd like to better understand this difference. Currently I co-lead the English-speaking Conversation Club and administer an intensive language intervention as part of project AbSANT (Abstract Semantic Associative Network Training). 

Marielle Louise Tesorero Razon

Education

• 2024 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
  San Francisco State University

Research Interests

I am fascinated with the brain and language and how the brain can recover from stroke. I am also Tagalog-English bilingual and am passionate about how to best increase access to bilingual therapy materials for marginalized communities. In the lab I currently co-facilitate the English speaking conversation club and co-treat a Tagalog-English bilingual adult with aphasia on a new project that is exploring an intensive bilingual treatment delivery.