Ellyn Riley

Dr. Ellyn Riley serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders within Syracuse University's College of Arts & Sciences. She is the principal investigator of the Aphasia Research Lab, where she leads innovative research on improving treatment outcomes for individuals with aphasia, a language disorder primarily caused by stroke.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University (2011)
• M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology, Northwestern University (2009)
• B.S. in Biology, University of New Mexico (2004)

Dr. Riley's research focuses on acquired speech and language disorders, particularly examining how fatigue impacts stroke recovery and how neuromodulation techniques like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance traditional speech and language therapy. Her work bridges behavioral and physiological measures with applied linguistic theory to develop more effective interventions for aphasia patients.

Analysis of Dr. Riley's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing aphasia-specific assessment tools, particularly for measuring post-stroke fatigue, and investigating how neuromodulation can improve attention and language processing in aphasia. Her research increasingly emphasizes the connection between cognitive processes like attention and language recovery outcomes.

Dr. Riley has secured significant research funding, including multiple NIH grants that extend through 2029, demonstrating the importance and impact of her work in the field.

As an educator, Dr. Riley teaches courses including Cognitive Neuroscience of Speech and Language and Neurogenic Communication Disorders I. She serves on numerous committees including the Syracuse University Institutional Review Board and editorial boards for prominent journals in her field. Her lab includes undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals working together to advance aphasia research and treatment.