William S. Evans

William S. Evans is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). He directs the Language Rehab and Cognition Lab and co-leads the Pittsburgh Translational Aphasia Research Initiative. His clinical expertise focuses on aphasia and cognitive rehabilitation, complemented by postdoctoral training in aphasiology and geriatrics at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Psychology, University of Massachusetts
• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Boston University
• PhD in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Boston University
• Clinical Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Research: Dr. Evans investigates adaptive computer-based treatments for aphasia, emphasizing precision medicine approaches and co-design with patients. His work includes developing therapeutic aphasia games (e.g., "Aphasia Games for Health") and open-source tools like Anki flashcards to enhance treatment accessibility. His NIH-funded R01 grant (2022-2027) explores adaptive modeling to optimize individualized aphasia rehabilitation.

Awards:

• 2020 Tavistock Trust Distinguished Scholar Award
• 2020 Academy of Aphasia Fellowship
• 2013 ASHF New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship

Advising & Grants: Co-advisor of the Pitt National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. Secured a $2.98M NIH R01 grant for aphasia treatment research. Collaborates with跨 disciplinary teams including occupational therapy, computer science, and neuroscience experts.

Labs & Initiatives: Leads the Language Rehab and Cognition Lab and co-founded the multi-PI Pittsburgh Translational Aphasia Research Initiative. Develops community engagement programs like the SHRS-sponsored aphasia support group and Aphasia Recovery Connection platform.