Shelly Jo Kraft

Shelly Jo Kraft is an Associate Professor of Speech Language Pathology & Audiology at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on the biological and behavioral genetics of stuttering, autism, and hearing loss. She directs the Behavior, Speech & Genetics Lab, studying neuro-anatomical features, genetic markers, and epigenetic factors in speech disorders. Current NIH-funded projects involve global gene identification in stuttering populations.

Education:

• B.A. in Audiology & Speech Sciences, Michigan State University
• M.A. in Communicative Sciences & Disorders, Michigan State University
• Ph.D. in Speech Language Pathology & Human Genetics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• Postdoctoral Research in Human Genetics at University of Chicago

Research Interests emphasize genetic analysis of speech disorders, neuroimaging studies of stuttering, and autism treatment strategies. Her work explores gene-to-gene interactions, epigenetic complexity, and anatomical differences in people who stutter (using fMRI/MRI).

Publications highlight stuttering neuroimaging trends, genetic polymorphisms' effects on brain structure, and temperament's role in childhood stuttering severity. Recent grants include NIH funding for international gene studies.

Awards include the Manuel Garcia Award (2013) and multiple Outstanding Professor titles at Wayne State. She has been recognized for excellence in teaching at University of Illinois.

Current collaborations with Baylor Medical, Vanderbilt, and McMaster University advance imaging-genetics studies. Dr. Kraft teaches courses on genetic auditory disorders, voice disorders, and advanced research methods in speech pathology.