The Nexus Lab: Where Communication Science Meets Innovation

The Nexus Lab is dedicated to advancing the science of fluency, voice, and communication disorders by exploring the dynamic intersections of speech, audiology, psychology, and technology. We investigate not only the mechanics of speech but also the affective, cognitive, and behavioural dimensions that shape communication experiences across languages, cultures, and contexts. We recognize that these factors are as critical to intervention as speech itself.

Through collaborations across disciplines and borders, the Nexus Lab harnesses emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and telehealth to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools. We also actively conduct research on cross-linguistic adaptation and validation of internationally acclaimed diagnostic and therapeutic tools to ensure they are effective and relevant across diverse populations. All our research is clinically oriented, with a focus on practical applications that can be directly implemented in clinical settings.

Our mission is to bridge cutting-edge research with real-world impact, creating inclusive, evidence-driven solutions that empower individuals to communicate and be heard with confidence.

Research Themes

1. Fluency Disorders and Stuttering
2. Telehealth and Technology-Enhanced Intervention
3. Voice and Resonance Disorders
4. Affective, Cognitive, and Behavioural Aspects of Communication Disorders
5. Multilingual and Multicultural Communication Research
6. Cross-Linguistic Adaptation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tools 
7. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Communication Disorders 

Multi-site Interdisciplinary Collaborative Studies Included the Following Investigators and Clinical Sites:

1. Santosh Maruthy, PhD – Professor of Speech Sciences, Department of Speech-Language Sciences, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Karnataka, India.
2. Martine Vanryckeghem, PhD, CCC-SLP- Professor Emeritus, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA
3.  Shubhaganga Dhrruvakumar, PhD – Assistant Professor, Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, USA.
4. Kenneth O. St. Louis, PhD, CCC-SLP – Professor Emeritus, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, West Virginia University, USA.
5. Vishal Kooknoor, MSc Audiology, Assistant Professor, JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India.

People

Director: Rakesh Veerabhadrappa, PhD (Speech Language Pathology)
Assistant Professor,
Gallaudet University, USA

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