Jennifer Zuk

Jennifer Zuk is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences at Boston University. Her research integrates developmental cognitive neuroscience, clinical speech-language pathology, and music cognition to study early childhood factors influencing speech, language, and reading acquisition in neurodevelopmental disabilities.

• Ph.D., Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University
• Ed.M., Mind, Brain, and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• B.A., Cognitive Science, Case Western Reserve University
• B.S., Music Education, Case Western Reserve University

Her work employs behavioral and neuroimaging tools (eMRI, fMRI) to examine brain-behavior relationships in children from infancy to school age, focusing on communication disorders, environmental influences (e.g., music), and translational clinical applications. She bridges music cognition and educational interventions to promote inclusive practices.

Recent publications highlight her interdisciplinary approach, exploring:

• Speech timing and white matter organization in autism
• Prosody production in neurodevelopmental contexts
• Home literacy/music environments' impact on early language
• Neural predictors of reading/language outcomes
• Music-reading skill correlations
• Developmental resilience mechanisms in dyslexia

As a speech-language pathologist, Dr. Zuk emphasizes translating research into clinical practice for improved identification and inclusion of communication disorders.