Our Scientific Mission

How does the human brain learn to produce skillful articulatory movements? What are the basic principles that underlie the control and learning of these movements? Which brain areas are involved in controlling these movements? What is the impact of sensory deficits on these movements?

We utilize kinematic imaging and functional brain imaging to understand the sensorimotor control of articulatory movements. Results of these investigations are of high practical significance for speech motor control and learning in patient populations with congenital and acquired sensorimotor deficits (e.g., profoundly deaf children who receive cochlear implants; children with cleft lip and palate; head and neck cancer patients following oral surgery and radiotherapy).