Principal Investigator
Gemma Moya-Galé completed her B.A. in English Linguistics and Literature as well as her M.A. in Applied Linguistics in Second Language Acquisition at the Universitat de Barcelona, in Spain. She then completed her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at Teachers College, Columbia University with a Fulbright scholarship and earned her doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Columbia University with a La Caixa scholarship. Her primary interests focus on the development of novel treatment approaches, using automatic speech recognition, to improve communication and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Additionally, her clinical research aims at the inclusion and empowerment of underrepresented populations with PD, such as Hispanic/Latinx, and her community outreach strives to maximize resources and services that are linguistically and culturally responsive for this population.
Gemma Moya-Galé completed her B.A. in English Linguistics and Literature as well as her M.A. in Applied Linguistics in Second Language Acquisition at the Universitat de Barcelona, in Spain. She then completed her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at Teachers College, Columbia University with a Fulbright scholarship and earned her doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Columbia University with a La Caixa scholarship. Her primary interests focus on the development of novel treatment approaches, using automatic speech recognition, to improve communication and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Additionally, her clinical research aims at the inclusion and empowerment of underrepresented populations with PD, such as Hispanic/Latinx, and her community outreach strives to maximize resources and services that are linguistically and culturally responsive for this population.
Doctoral Students
Research Scientists
Xi Chen received her doctoral degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University and holds a master's degree in Linguistics from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her research interests lie in speech production and perception in Parkinson's disease, bilingualism, and the use of technology to enhance treatment for clinical populations. Outside of research, Xi is a classical music enthusiast who enjoys playing the piano and attending concerts.
Xi Chen received her doctoral degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University and holds a master's degree in Linguistics from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her research interests lie in speech production and perception in Parkinson's disease, bilingualism, and the use of technology to enhance treatment for clinical populations. Outside of research, Xi is a classical music enthusiast who enjoys playing the piano and attending concerts.
Research Assistants
Julia is a first-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S.Ed. in Speech Communication Disorders and a second major in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Linguistics. During her undergraduate career, Julia was able to study abroad in Belgium where she collected and analyzed formant data of native French and Dutch speakers. In the CTLD Lab, she is currently working on the research study “Understand Me for Life: Using noise-augmented automatic speech recognition to improve intelligibility in Parkinson’s disease.” Her clinical interests include medical speech-language pathology as it relates to craniofacial abnormalities and neurodegenerative diseases. In her free time, Julia enjoys getting coffee with friends, going on walks around the city, and exploring new places.
Julia is a first-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S.Ed. in Speech Communication Disorders and a second major in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Linguistics. During her undergraduate career, Julia was able to study abroad in Belgium where she collected and analyzed formant data of native French and Dutch speakers. In the CTLD Lab, she is currently working on the research study “Understand Me for Life: Using noise-augmented automatic speech recognition to improve intelligibility in Parkinson’s disease.” Her clinical interests include medical speech-language pathology as it relates to craniofacial abnormalities and neurodegenerative diseases. In her free time, Julia enjoys getting coffee with friends, going on walks around the city, and exploring new places.
Anastassiya is a first-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2023, she graduated summa cum laude from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. During her time at Brooklyn College, she was involved in research on multicultural counseling, and in the assessment of audio features that best capture vocal quality of patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Her clinical interests include autism, treatment-related neuroplasticity, and counseling in the field of speech pathology. Outside of the lab, she loves yoga, cooking, swimming in a local pool, and long walks along the beach with her dog.
Anastassiya is a first-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2023, she graduated summa cum laude from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. During her time at Brooklyn College, she was involved in research on multicultural counseling, and in the assessment of audio features that best capture vocal quality of patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Her clinical interests include autism, treatment-related neuroplasticity, and counseling in the field of speech pathology. Outside of the lab, she loves yoga, cooking, swimming in a local pool, and long walks along the beach with her dog.
Yasmine Ferrari is a first-year graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University. This past May, Yasmine graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders and Spanish. During her undergraduate studies Yasmine researched Traumatic Brain Injury with an interest in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Yasmine’s clinical interests include neurodegenerative communication disorders and its impact on communication in bilingual Spanish speaking individuals. She is currently working on identifying the areas of cognitive decline in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. In her free time, she loves exploring new places, trying new activities, cooking and Broadway plays!
Yasmine Ferrari is a first-year graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University. This past May, Yasmine graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders and Spanish. During her undergraduate studies Yasmine researched Traumatic Brain Injury with an interest in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Yasmine’s clinical interests include neurodegenerative communication disorders and its impact on communication in bilingual Spanish speaking individuals. She is currently working on identifying the areas of cognitive decline in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. In her free time, she loves exploring new places, trying new activities, cooking and Broadway plays!
Nicole Malatino is a first-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Nicole recently graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Plattsburgh State University this past May. Nicole’s primary areas of interest include pediatric feeding and swallowing, neurodivergence, and neurogenic communication disorders. Furthermore, Nicole exudes passion in client-centered care and desires to further explore effective methods and approaches to ensure a client’s cultural needs are met. In her free time, Nicole enjoys seeing Broadway shows, listening to various genres of music, and adult coloring pages.
Nicole Malatino is a first-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Nicole recently graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Plattsburgh State University this past May. Nicole’s primary areas of interest include pediatric feeding and swallowing, neurodivergence, and neurogenic communication disorders. Furthermore, Nicole exudes passion in client-centered care and desires to further explore effective methods and approaches to ensure a client’s cultural needs are met. In her free time, Nicole enjoys seeing Broadway shows, listening to various genres of music, and adult coloring pages.
Bela is a first-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. In May 2024, she graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University with a Bachelor's of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a minor in Youth Development. During her time at IU, she volunteered as a research assistant in the Speech Disfluency Lab under the direction of Dr. Julie Anderson where she focused on the etiology and development of stuttering in children ages 3-6. She has extensive experience in working with children with disfluencies and adults with developmental delays. She is excited to expand upon her knowledge of Parkinson’s disease. In her free time, Bela enjoys reading, yoga, and spending time with her dogs.
Bela is a first-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. In May 2024, she graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University with a Bachelor's of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a minor in Youth Development. During her time at IU, she volunteered as a research assistant in the Speech Disfluency Lab under the direction of Dr. Julie Anderson where she focused on the etiology and development of stuttering in children ages 3-6. She has extensive experience in working with children with disfluencies and adults with developmental delays. She is excited to expand upon her knowledge of Parkinson’s disease. In her free time, Bela enjoys reading, yoga, and spending time with her dogs.
Alexa is from Boca Raton, Florida. She got her Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Florida, where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minored in Disabilities in Society. As an undergraduate student, she participated in the Speech Development Lab, where she researched the impacts of prevalent otitis media with effusion on the development of mature spectral processing abilities and potential deficits in vocabulary. In addition, she has observed both the pediatric population at a private practice and the geriatric population at an outpatient center. Her goal is to learn more about the geriatric population and discover new things throughout her research career.
Alexa is from Boca Raton, Florida. She got her Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Florida, where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minored in Disabilities in Society. As an undergraduate student, she participated in the Speech Development Lab, where she researched the impacts of prevalent otitis media with effusion on the development of mature spectral processing abilities and potential deficits in vocabulary. In addition, she has observed both the pediatric population at a private practice and the geriatric population at an outpatient center. Her goal is to learn more about the geriatric population and discover new things throughout her research career.
Xena is a second-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences & Disorders:
Bilingual Extension-Dual Certification Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She graduated with a B.A. in Interpersonal Communications from Baruch College in 2020. Prior to starting at Teachers College, she worked as a financial counselor at Jacobi Medical Center, where she discovered the field of speech- language pathology. In addition to her experience at the hospital, Xena also worked as a teacher’s assistant at various pre-schools. Her clinical interests include multilingualism, autism spectrum disorder, and neurogenic communication disorders. Outside of the lab, Xena enjoys going on food adventures with friends, baking, and spending time with her family.
Xena is a second-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences & Disorders:
Bilingual Extension-Dual Certification Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She graduated with a B.A. in Interpersonal Communications from Baruch College in 2020. Prior to starting at Teachers College, she worked as a financial counselor at Jacobi Medical Center, where she discovered the field of speech- language pathology. In addition to her experience at the hospital, Xena also worked as a teacher’s assistant at various pre-schools. Her clinical interests include multilingualism, autism spectrum disorder, and neurogenic communication disorders. Outside of the lab, Xena enjoys going on food adventures with friends, baking, and spending time with her family.
Sarah is a second year master's student in the Communication Science and Disorders: Bilingual Extension-Dual Certification Program at Teachers College Columbia University. She graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2022 with a B.S. in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate career she participated in research related to Bilingual Language Acquisition and CHARGE Syndrome. Her clinical interests include medical speech-language pathology specifically as it relates to multilingualism, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer treatments. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys trying out new cafes around NYC, going on runs in Central Park, and spending time with family and friends.
Sarah is a second year master's student in the Communication Science and Disorders: Bilingual Extension-Dual Certification Program at Teachers College Columbia University. She graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2022 with a B.S. in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate career she participated in research related to Bilingual Language Acquisition and CHARGE Syndrome. Her clinical interests include medical speech-language pathology specifically as it relates to multilingualism, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer treatments. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys trying out new cafes around NYC, going on runs in Central Park, and spending time with family and friends.
Sneha is a second-year in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (Bilingual Extension) program at Teachers College. She graduated from NYU Abu Dhabi with a B.A., in Psychology and worked as a behavior therapist for children with autism spectrum disorder prior to starting at Columbia University. Her interests are in autism, neurodegenerative diseases, and alternative and augmentative communication. In her free time, Sneha likes to spend time hiking, exploring new cafes, and dog-watching at parks.
Sneha is a second-year in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (Bilingual Extension) program at Teachers College. She graduated from NYU Abu Dhabi with a B.A., in Psychology and worked as a behavior therapist for children with autism spectrum disorder prior to starting at Columbia University. Her interests are in autism, neurodegenerative diseases, and alternative and augmentative communication. In her free time, Sneha likes to spend time hiking, exploring new cafes, and dog-watching at parks.
Christina Lee is a second-year masters student in the Communication Sciences & Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She grew up in California and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Fullerton. At the undergraduate level, she was a research assistant in the Augmentative and Alternative Communications lab for Dr. Lisa Erwin-Davidson on her five-year implementation science study to improve special educators’ instructional practices in classrooms. She also worked as a Behavior Technician where she worked with children and young adults with autism. Christina’s primary area of interests include autism, dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. She aspires to work abroad and provide speech therapy for members of marginalized communities.
Christina Lee is a second-year masters student in the Communication Sciences & Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She grew up in California and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Fullerton. At the undergraduate level, she was a research assistant in the Augmentative and Alternative Communications lab for Dr. Lisa Erwin-Davidson on her five-year implementation science study to improve special educators’ instructional practices in classrooms. She also worked as a Behavior Technician where she worked with children and young adults with autism. Christina’s primary area of interests include autism, dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. She aspires to work abroad and provide speech therapy for members of marginalized communities.
Claire is a second-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2023, she graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. During her time at NYU, Claire worked under the direction of Dr. Tara McAllister as an undergraduate research assistant in the Biofeedback Intervention Technology for Speech Lab. Her primary area of interest revolves around the treatment and assessment of voice, with a particular focus on gender-affirming voice therapy and rehabilitation for singers post-laryngectomy. With a passion for patient-centered care, Claire is interested in exploring and developing technology that promotes the accessibility of high quality treatment. In her free time, Claire enjoys reading and spending time with her loved ones.
Claire is a second-year master’s student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2023, she graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. During her time at NYU, Claire worked under the direction of Dr. Tara McAllister as an undergraduate research assistant in the Biofeedback Intervention Technology for Speech Lab. Her primary area of interest revolves around the treatment and assessment of voice, with a particular focus on gender-affirming voice therapy and rehabilitation for singers post-laryngectomy. With a passion for patient-centered care, Claire is interested in exploring and developing technology that promotes the accessibility of high quality treatment. In her free time, Claire enjoys reading and spending time with her loved ones.
Lily is a second-year master's student in Communications Sciences and Disorders at Teachers College, Columbia University. She graduated in December 2022 from Temple University with a B.A. in Speech Language, and Hearing Sciences, with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience, and a certificate in American Sign Language. Lily's primary interests include assessment and treatment for neurological speech disorders in adults and children. Outside of the lab, Lily loves to exercise, read, and explore New York City.
Lily is a second-year master's student in Communications Sciences and Disorders at Teachers College, Columbia University. She graduated in December 2022 from Temple University with a B.A. in Speech Language, and Hearing Sciences, with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience, and a certificate in American Sign Language. Lily's primary interests include assessment and treatment for neurological speech disorders in adults and children. Outside of the lab, Lily loves to exercise, read, and explore New York City.