Principal Investigator
Julian Bergen Smith, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CLC is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Communication Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University and SLP at Yale New Haven Hospital. Dr. Smith received her doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University and holds licensure in the State of Connecticut. Her primary areas of research are the instrumental assessment of swallowing disorders across the lifespan and interprofessional care of individuals with communication/swallowing disorders.
Research Assistants
I am a second-year graduate student at Southern, pursuing my M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. As an undergraduate, I worked as a research assistant in the APPS Lab. My interests include adult dysphagia, cognitive disorders, and ethnonutrition. My current research focuses on alternative methods for measuring tongue strength. I greatly enjoy working in the APPS Lab, as it provides an environment of inspiration, growth, and support, and I truly appreciate the opportunities to engage in the full research process.
I am an undergraduate student studying Communication Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University. My academic interests include dysphagia and cognitive disorders. I am very passionate about furthering my knowledge in these areas, and am excited to participate in the lab's research on evaluating and treating swallowing disorders.
Undergraduate Assistants
I am an undergraduate student studying Communication Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). My interests are currently in every aspect thus far, but most definitely include adults and their abilities or lack thereof related to swallowing and age. I am extremely eager and honored to contribute to the labs work in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders across populations.
Renee Faith Royea
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Communication Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University. My primary academic interest is pediatric feeding, though I am eager to explore all that the field has to offer. Outside of the lab, I serve as the Vice President of the SCSU NSSLHA undergraduate chapter, President of Operation Smile, Public Relations Officer for the ASL Club, and President of Active Minds. I am excited to contribute to the lab’s efforts in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders across diverse populations.
Alumni
M.S. Communication Disorders, SCSU '24
Acute Care Speech Language Pathologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital
During my time at SCSU, I was actively involved in the APPS research lab, where I gained hands-on clinical and research experience in normal swallowing and dysphagia in adults. I contributed to several studies and publications exploring dysphagia in Sjögren’s Disease, IOPI reliability, and oral sensory perceptions, in addition to completing my own graduate research thesis. My experience in the lab provided a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, which continues to inform my work as a speech-language pathologist across diverse settings, including sub-acute rehabilitation, acute inpatient neurorehabilitation, and acute care. I am committed to ongoing engagement in research throughout my career that bridge clinical practice and scientific advancement in the field for improved patient outcomes.
Rescratch Catsistants
M.S., CCC (Cat, Cat, Cat)-SLP (Stretch, Lick, Purr)
Chloe Lavender Smith is a fifth-year catsistant in the APPS Lab. She has been a member of the APPS lab since its inception. She is very enthusiastic about feeding and swallowing, with a particular interest in wet food. She works closely with many lab members and alumni.