Sara Wood

Dr Sara Wood is a Professor in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Division at Queen Margaret University (QMU). She holds full membership in the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre (CASL). Her academic journey includes a BA in Linguistics and Language Pathology from the University of Reading and a PhD from QMU focusing on speech sound errors in aphasia. She has held NHS clinical roles and academic positions since 1993, progressing from Lecturer (2003) to Senior Lecturer (2007) and Reader (2013). Her work bridges clinical practice and research, with an honorary NHS Lothian contract (2013–2015).

Research Interests: Dr Wood specializes in using visual biofeedback (EPG and ultrasound) to treat developmental speech disorders, particularly in children with Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and cochlear implants. Recent projects include enhancing speech intelligibility in Down’s syndrome and advancing clinical instrumentation.

Funding: She has secured grants totaling over £550,000 from bodies like the MRC (£348,000, 2005), Nuffield Foundation (£147,626, 2012), and Down’s Syndrome Association (£58,000, 2006). These projects focus on speech motor control, voice quality, and service delivery models using EPG.

Teaching: Dr Wood teaches undergraduate and postgraduate speech and language therapy programs at QMU, covering speech impairments, fluency disorders, and professional practice. She has supervised Masters and PhD students and led the BSc Honours in Speech and Language Therapy program (2008–2015).

Professional Affiliations: Registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).