معرفی
Austin Thompson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Houston. His primary appointment is in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program where he conducts research on motor speech disorders and teaches courses including Fluency Disorders (COMD 7221) and Research & Critical Thinking (COMD 6261). He maintains an active research program through the SPEAK Lab (Speech Production, Evaluation, and Kinematics), which focuses on advancing assessment and treatment approaches for individuals with speech disorders.
Dr. Thompson's educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Communications Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University (2023)
- M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University (2018)
- B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University (2016)
As a certified speech-language pathologist, Dr. Thompson brings clinical expertise to his research program which investigates the perceptual, acoustic, and kinematic aspects of speech in individuals with and without motor speech disorders such as dysarthria. His work primarily focuses on dysarthria in neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as examining speech characteristics in speakers of English as a second language and speakers of regional dialects. He employs state-of-the-art technology including electromagnetic articulography and ultrasound to analyze speech production with the goal of developing more effective assessment and treatment approaches that enhance communicative participation and quality of life for individuals with speech disorders.
His recent publication record reveals a strong focus on multidimensional approaches to understanding speech disorders, with particular emphasis on Parkinson's disease, open science practices in communication sciences, and cross-linguistic/cross-dialectal studies of speech production. His work consistently integrates perceptual, acoustic, and kinematic methodologies to provide comprehensive insights into speech motor control and disorders.
Dr. Thompson has received notable recognition for his early career contributions:
- ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional Award (2023)
- ASHA Lessons for Success Program Awardee (2024)
- ASHA Research Mentoring-Pair Travel Award (2024)
He secured a significant NIH/NIDCD F31 National Research Service Award (2021-2023) as Principal Investigator for his project "A multidimensional study on articulation deficits in Parkinson's disease." Beyond his research and teaching, Dr. Thompson is actively involved in professional service as a committee member for the Speech and Language Science Topic Committee of ASHA, an ad hoc reviewer for multiple journals, and as a leader in open science initiatives through CSDisseminate and as a founder of OpenCSD.
Dr. Thompson directs the SPEAK Lab at the University of Houston, which serves as the primary research hub for his investigations into speech production in both typical and disordered populations. The lab brings together interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative approaches to understanding and treating motor speech disorders through advanced instrumentation and data analysis techniques.
