Former Lab Members
Meet our former Gray Matter 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.
Bella Carbonara
Education
- 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University - 2020 B.S. Speech-language Pathology
California State University Long Beach
Research Interests
My research interests involve amplifying the perspectives of communities that have been historically marginalized. I have specific research experience with Autism, AAC, and the experiences of BIPOC in the field of speech-language pathology. I am passionate about using research as a tool to help us build a society where everyone's voice is heard and celebrated.
Amelia Tio Lim
Education
- 2025 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University - 2023 B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders
Biola University
Research Interests
I am passionate about working with adults experiencing acquired aphasia, dysphagia, and other communication challenges. In my role transcribing conversations for the Black Conversation Club, I observe and document communication patterns in the lives of individuals with aphasia. This occurs in the dynamic context of their social interactions, where they not only engage meaningfully but also find enjoyment in this community.
Kaitlin Ridad
Education
- 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University - 2022 B.S. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences & B.A. Child and Adolescent Development San Francisco State University
Research Interests
Language and communication hold power in self-expression, connections, and societal navigation. The different impacts on the brain after injury has always piqued my interest—specifically how to maximize participation and engagement in life. As a future clinician, it is my mission to prioritize and enhance the quality of life for people with aphasia. In Gray Matter Lab, I will be contributing to the AbSANT project and Conversation Club.
Loriel Roman
Education
- 2024 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University - 2021 Post-Baccalaureate in Speech-Language Pathology
California State University, San Marcos - 2018 M.A. in Teaching
University of Southern California - 2012 Double B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology
University of California, Irvine
Research Interests
As a former teacher, I have always been interested in how people learn, process information, and communicate. I am especially interested in how we can develop strategies to best support and honor individuals and their experiences from diverse and multilingual backgrounds. As a child of Filipino immigrants, I am looking forward to joining Gray Matter Lab and working alongside Tagalog/English-speaking adults with aphasia to gain more insight into translanguaging and how we can utilize individuals’ full language repertoires and the impact that can have on overall communication goals and quality of life.
Morgan Spears
Education
- 2025 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University - 2023 B.S. Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in education
San Francisco State University
Research interests
Speech and language play a dynamic role in learning, social connections, and communicating one’s thoughts and feelings. My fascination in SLHS comes from my interest in a) helping others enhance their quality of life and b) learning more about communication modalities in aphasia. In the lab, I co-facilitate the English Conversation Club, developing agendas and leading discussions.
Jennifer Lorena Vega
Education
- 2025 M.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University - 2021 B.A. Speech-Language Pathology
California State University, Long Beach
Research Interests
As a bilingual Spanish-English speaker and first-generation Latina, it has always been my interest to provide access to communication for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations. It is critical that as future responsive clinicians, we consider the linguistic barriers of CLD populations and create spaces were their needs and heard. Through the Gray Matter Lab, I am able to support adults with aphasia in the Spanish Conversation Club (SCC). The SCC allows for adults of all ages and types of aphasia to be part of a community and build on their communication skills.
Abigail Franklin
Education
- 2025 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University
Research Interests
Taking part in the Gray Matter Lab and English Conversation Club has led me to meet people from all walks of life. In English Conversation Club, I have been able to see participants grow and form meaningful connections with one another. Language plays an integral role in who we are and how we express ourselves. English Conversation Club fosters a safe space where people are able to open up about their experiences and relate to one another. I hope to continue this work as my education and career progresses.
Danielle Griffth
Education
- 2024 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
San Francisco State University
Research Interests
I am interested in advocacy research for Black adults with aphasia to increase quality of life and services for this population. I co-facilitate the lab’s conversation club for Black adults with aphasia, and I am also involved a new conversation analysis study that examines the overarching themes of our Black conversation club, with a goal to better understand what makes the group so meaningful for its participants.
Vassilissa Manokhina
Education
- 2024 B.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
- San Francisco University
Research Interests
As a bilingual Russian-English speaker, I have always been fascinated by the brain’s ability to code-switch between two languages and the parallel development of both. The area of research I am interested in is developing accessible language treatment for multi-lingual patients in English, as well as the non-English language(s). Communication is an essential skill for people to live their lives to the fullest. I am eager to contribute to research for multi-lingual adults with aphasia to recover after a stroke and regain their confidence in language and other areas of life.