SPEAK Lab

The Speech Perception, Acoustics, and Kinematics Lab

The SPEAK Lab is a research laboratory at the University of Houston led by Austin Thompson.

Our research is committed to advancing the diagnostic and treatment techniques for patients with motor speech disorders, such as dysarthria.

Our Research

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Instrumental Analysis of Speech

We're studying what makes speech hard to understand for people with speech difficulties like dysarthria. Using instruments like ultrasound and electromagnetic articulography, we're checking how the tongue, lips, and jaw move when individuals talk.

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Language and Dialect’s Impact on Speech

We're investigating how different languages and dialects affect speech in people with and without speech problems like dysarthria. Researchers often believe that dysarthria is language-universal, but our research shows it's not that simple – where you're from and how you speak can interact with dysarthria.

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Meta-Science and Open Science

We explore the reliability of our measurements and whether they truly capture what we intend to measure. We're also interested in the concept of open science and how it can enhance research practices. With these aims, we hope to strengthen the integrity and impact of our research findings.