Speech-Language Pathology Research
Adult Medical Swallowing and Language Research Lab
What do we do?
Welcome to the AMSL Lab. The Adult Medical Swallowing and Language Research Lab (AMSL) at the Medical University of South Carolina focuses on advancing research and providing education in swallowing disorders (dysphagia) and language impairments (aphasia).Our Mission
Our mission is to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals affected by dysphagia and/or aphasia. Through research, education, and collaborations, we aim to enhance patient care and quality of life.Our work is driven by curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to translating research discoveries into real-world clinical impact. We believe that research should directly inform patient care — and that collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and patients is essential for meaningful progress.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every person with a swallowing or language disorder can access innovative, evidence-based care that meets their unique needs.What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain’s language centers, often caused by stroke or head injury. It affects a person’s ability to understand, speak, read, or write. Aphasia can range from mild communication difficulties to severe impairments. Rehabilitation efforts focus on helping individuals regain their language skills through therapies and innovative techniques.What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, which can impact the ability to safely move food or liquids from the mouth to the stomach. It may result from conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or head and neck cancer. Dysphagia can lead to complications like malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, or choking. Our lab investigates the underlying mechanisms of dysphagia and develops strategies for effective management.Research Studies Conducted in the AMSL Lab
Neuroanatomical correlates of dysphagia after stroke
We investigate how stroke lesions are associated with swallowing impairments to identify the neural circuitry that supports swallowing function after stroke. Beyond lesion-related damage, we are also interested in understanding how age-related neuroanatomical changes contribute to post-stroke dysphagia. Our overarching goal is to establish a theoretical framework for the neural control of swallowing after stroke. Through this work, we aim to improve early-stage risk prediction and patient counseling following stroke. Ultimately, our findings may help identify neuroanatomical targets for intervention and support efforts to prevent complications of dysphagia.Dr. Wilmskoetter has received funding from the National Institutes of Health to support this line of research.
Dr. Wilmskoetter and two former lab students, Jenna Clinger and Emma Tracy, are discussing the impact of stroke lesions on the brain network that controls swallowing.
The NIH-funded project is conducted at MUSC and the University of South Carolina. The interprofessional team at MUSC includes (from left to right): Bethany Wolf, Ph.D. (biostatistician), Christine Holmstedt, DO, FAHA (neurologist), Stephanie Cute, CCC-SLP (speech language pathologist and project manager), Janina Wilmskoetter, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (speech language pathologist), LuAnne O’Connor, CRA (grants administrator), Roland Cote, BS (project coordinator), and Vittoria Spampinato, M.D. (radiologist, not pictured).
Recovery for people with aphasia after stroke
In collaboration with the Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery (C-STAR) at the University of South Carolina, we investigate how individuals recover from aphasia following stroke. As part of this work, we are conducting clinical trials to evaluate how aphasia therapy can enhance communication abilities and improve the quality of life for people with aphasia. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of how to personalize aphasia treatment based on each individual's unique profile, ultimately optimizing recovery outcomes.If you would like to be contacted by someone in our lab for more information about ongoing treatment studies, provide your contact information here [link to redcap form], or email Stephanie Cute directly: cute@musc.edu.
News & Noteworthy
Our lab celebrates achievements such as team members’ awards, participation in national conferences, and successful grant awards. Stay tuned for updates on events and milestones.
MUSC Research Day Success
We are proud to celebrate our student research assistant, Lauren Nelson, who earned 1st Place for her poster presentation in the Undergraduate/Master’s category at the MUSC Research Day 2025 (November 7, 2025). This is an outstanding accomplishment, as Lauren competed among students representing all MUSC colleges.We also recognize the mentorship of our Ph.D. student, Kira Palmer, whose guidance and support were instrumental in preparing Lauren’s award-winning poster.
Co-Directors
Terry Hopkins-Rossabi, Ph.D., MS, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Sciences
Dr. Theresa Hopkins-Rossabi’s research focuses on swallowing function and outcomes in several patient populations. In addition, Dr. Rossabi’s research interests include competency-based education at the graduate level in the integration of knowledge and skills required for excellence in clinical practice.
Terry Hopkins-Rossabi, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Dr. Terry Hopkins-Rossabi brings over 30 years of clinical experience in medical speech-language pathology to her research on swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Her primary focus thus far in the MUSC SLP program has been as an instructor in Adult Swallowing, Cognitive Communication Disorders in Adults, Trach and Ventilatory Patients, Assessment, Intro to Research, and Counseling. Her research projects have focused primarily on adult swallowing disorders and the importance of instrumental evaluation of swallowing. These projects have resulted in presentations, including SLP master’s students at national and state conferences as well as a publication in the Dysphagia journal. She is a national leader in dysphagia education, clinical care, and research, with a special interest in adult swallowing. When not teaching or involved in projects in the lab, Dr. Rossabi will be hiking, kayaking, skiing, or spending time with her husband, two children, and their partners.
Janina Wilmskoetter, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Sciences
Dr. Janina Wilmskoetter is dedicated to advancing the field of language (aphasia) and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) following brain injury. In her research, she primarily investigates the intricate neuroanatomical foundations of aphasia and dysphagia after strokes, seeking to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to the varying degrees of recovery observed among individuals. Dr. Wilmskoetter’s goal is to pioneer evidence-based, neuroanatomically informed, personalized interventions, with the aim of optimizing recovery outcomes for individuals with a stroke.
Janina Wilmskoetter, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Janina Wilmskoetter is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) and researcher specializing in the neuroanatomical correlates of dysphagia and aphasia and its recovery after stroke. As an Assistant Professor in the SLP Division, she researches post-stroke dysphagia, teaches Dysphagia and Aphasia in the SLP graduate program, and provides clinical care in acute care and neurological specialty clinics. Dr. Wilmskoetter is passionate about training future SLPs, educating practicing clinicians, and translating research into clinical practice to help individuals with dysphagia and aphasia achieve their best possible recovery. When she’s not in the lab, you’ll probably find Dr. Wilmskoetter out for a run, on a yoga mat, or chasing the wind while kiteboarding. She never says no to chocolate — and has a serious case of wanderlust.Lab Staff
Program Manager, Stephanie Cute, M.A., CCC-SLP
Stephanie Cute, is an ASHA-certified and licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) and research program manager. She graduated with a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Miami University in 2008 and an M.A. in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010. She has previously worked in hearing and aging research and in research and clinical intervention related to Dyslexia. Stephanie worked clinically in pediatrics for 10 years but has loved returning to the neuro-rehab research world! She currently works on research studies related to aphasia and dysphagia outcomes post-stroke. In her free time, Stephanie loves tennis and golf (both playing and watching), reading, and trying new restaurants in Charleston.
Research Coordinator, Roland Cote, BS
Roland Cote is a research program coordinator. He graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Sport Studies in 2017. His previous experience includes working as a rehab tech in both acute care and outpatient clinics. Before joining the AMSL Lab, he worked in a spinal cord injury research lab as a program coordinator. Roland is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. In his free time, he enjoys working out, spending time in nature, and playing rugby.
Students & Research Assistants
Ph.D. Student, Kira Palmer, MS, CCC-SLP
Kira Palmer is a PhD student in the Health and Rehabilitation Science program. She is an ASHA-certified and licensed speech language pathologist (SLP) who spent her years prior to MUSC working in the skilled nursing facility, acute care and mobile MBSS settings in California.
Kira graduated with a B.A. in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from The George Washington University in 2017, where she was also on the women’s rowing team, and an M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2019. She always wanted to return to research and is inspired by the complexities of dysphagia cases she saw while working clinically. Outside of school and research, Kira enjoys playing with her dog, doing anything active outdoors, and traveling.
Research Assistant, Lauren Nelson, BS
Lauren Nelson is a graduate student in the SLP program and supports data collection and study procedures in the AMSL Lab as a research assistant. Lauren has gained valuable experience by observing SLPs in a variety of settings, including children's clinics, elementary schools, acute care, and skilled nursing facilities. Her interests within the field of SLP are primarily focused on neurogenic rehabilitation. In her free time, Lauren enjoys surfing, traveling, practicing yoga, and enjoying the live music scene of Charleston.
Research Assistant, Anna Grace Vaught, BS
Anna Grace is a first-year graduate student in the SLP program and serves as a research assistant in the AMSL lab. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Middle Tennessee State University. Her clinical interests are focused on working with individuals with dysphagia and aphasia. She has a special love for neurological rehabilitation but remains open and enthusiastic about serving individuals across the lifespan. Outside of school, Anna Grace loves to travel and experience new places. You can often find her enjoying the beach, reading a good book, or going for walk!
Resources for Patients and Families
We provide resources designed to support patients and caregivers navigating aphasia and dysphagia.
Clinical Trials:
We are actively recruiting participants for our ongoing treatment study “STARS.” If you would like to be contacted by someone in our lab for more information or to see if you qualify, provide your contact information here [Redcap survey link] or email Stephanie Cute directly: starsmusc@musc.edu.
Support Group:
Connect with others facing similar challenges.
Charleston Communication Connection (CCC) is a group for adults with acquired communication disorders like aphasia or apraxia. The group meets monthly for a variety of educational and therapeutic activities as well as conversation and support. Past events have included watching and discussing a documentary on aphasia, hearing from a 911 operator and police officer about access to emergency services, and participating in an art therapy session. Speech-language pathology graduate students from MUSC also join the group each month to learn from the group members.
The group meets the last Friday of each month (January through October) from 2:30pm-3:30pm in the Garden Room at MUSC Midtown (MUSC Health East Cooper Medical Pavilion, 1600 Midtown Ave, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464). For more information, contact Stephanie Cute at charlestoncommunicates@gmail.com.
Additional Resources
Publications from the AMSL lab
Complete Bibliography
Pubmed listed publications from Dr. Hopkins-Rossabi
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?sort=date&term=Hopkins-Rossabi+T&cauthor_id=39214883
Pubmed listed publications from Dr. Wilmskoetter:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?sort=date&term=Wilmskoetter+J&cauthor_id=33719732
Selected publications (in chronological order):
Wilmskoetter, J., Kristinsson, S., Rangus, I., Busby, N., Rorden, C., den Ouden, D., Newman-Norlund, R., Banister, C., Riccardi, N., Teghipco, A., Newman-Norlund, S., Fridriksson, J., & Bonilha, L. (2026). Gene Expression-Based Lesion-Symptom Mapping: FOXP2 and Language Impairments after Stroke. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 46(3), e0413252025. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0413-25.2025
Wilmskoetter, J., Blackwood, K., Kristinsson, S., Walker, G., Fridriksson, J., Blackett, D. S., den Ouden, D. B., Rorden, C., Hillis, A. E., Hickok, G., Sayers, S., Spell, L. A., & Bonilha, L. (2025). Naming practice effects and inconsistencies relate to treatment outcome in people with aphasia. Neuropsychologia, 219, 109271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2025.109271
Busby, N., Wilmskoetter, J., Newman-Norlund, R., Newman-Norlund, S., Sayers, S., Wilson, S. C., Riccardi, N., Teghipco, A., Roth, R. W., Bakos, L., Rorden, C., Fridriksson, J., & Bonilha, L. (2025). Damage to white matter networks resulting from small vessel disease and the effects on cognitive function. Scientific reports, 15(1), 27736. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13813-7
Hopkins-Rossabi, T., Brubaker, A., Carter, S., Hardy, C., and Temple, S., (2024). Analysis of patients’ dietary status/restrictions following instrumental swallow evaluations in skilled nursing facilities, Dysphagia, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-024-10750-x
Wilmskoetter, J., Bonilha, H., Wolf, B. J., Tracy, E., Chang, A., Martin-Harris, B., Anne Holmstedt, C., & Bonilha, L. (2024). Cerebral small vessel disease is an independent determinant of dysphagia after acute stroke. NeuroImage. Clinical, 44, 103710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103710
Hannan, J., Wilmskoetter, J., Fridriksson, J., Hillis, A. E., Bonilha, L., & Busby, N. (2023). Brain health imaging markers, post-stroke aphasia and Cognition: A scoping review. NeuroImage. Clinical, 39, 103480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103480
Wilmskoetter, J., Busby, N., He, X., Caciagli, L., Roth, R., Kristinsson, S., Davis, K. A., Rorden, C., Bassett, D. S., Fridriksson, J., & Bonilha, L. (2023). Dynamic network properties of the superior temporal gyrus mediate the impact of brain age gap on chronic aphasia severity. Communications biology, 6(1), 727. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05119-z
Busby, N., Wilmskoetter, J., Gleichgerrcht, E., Rorden, C., Roth, R., Newman-Norlund, R., Hillis, A. E., Keller, S. S., de Bezenac, C., Kristinsson, S., Fridriksson, J., & Bonilha, L. (2023). Advanced Brain Age and Chronic Poststroke Aphasia Severity. Neurology, 100(11), e1166–e1176. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000201693
Wilmskoetter, J., Roth, R., McDowell, K., Munsell, B., Fontenot, S., Andrews, K., Chang, A., Johnson, L. P., Sangtian, S., Behroozmand, R., van Mierlo, P., Fridriksson, J., & Bonilha, L. (2023). Semantic Categorization of Naming Responses Based on Prearticulatory Electrical Brain Activity. Journal of clinical neurophysiology: official publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society, 40(7), 608–615. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNP.0000000000000933
Garand, K. L., Bhutada, A. M., Hopkins-Rossabi, T., Mulekar, M. S., & Carnaby, G. (2022). Pilot study of respiratory–swallow coordination in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 65(8), 2815-2828. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_jslhr-21-00619
Roth, R., Wilmskoetter, J., & Bonilha, L. (2022). The role of disrupted structural connectivity in aphasia. Handbook of clinical neurology, 185, 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823384-9.00006-2
Wilmskoetter, J., He, X., Caciagli, L., Jensen, J. H., Marebwa, B., Davis, K. A., Fridriksson, J., Basilakos, A., Johnson, L. P., Rorden, C., Bassett, D., & Bonilha, L. (2022). Language Recovery after Brain Injury: A Structural Network Control Theory Study. The Journal of neuroscience: the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 42(4), 657–669. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1096-21.2021
Alkhuwaiter, M., Davidson, K., Hopkins-Rossabi, T., & Martin-Harris, B. (2021). Scoring the Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS) in Two Conditions: A Reliability Study. Dysphagia, 1-10.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-021-10292-6
Hopkins‐Rossabi, T., Armeson, K. E., Zecker, S. G., & Martin‐Harris, B. (2021). Respiratory‐swallow coordination and swallowing impairment in head and neck cancer. Head & Neck, 43(5), 1398-1408. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.26609
Chang, A. J., Wilmskoetter, J., Fridriksson, J., McKinnon, E. T., Johnson, L. P., Basilakos, A., Jensen, J. H., Rorden, C., & Bonilha, L. (2021). Cortical microstructural changes associated with treated aphasia recovery. Annals of clinical and translational neurology, 8(9), 1884–1894. https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.51445
Wilmskoetter, J., Fridriksson, J., Basilakos, A., Phillip Johnson, L., Marebwa, B., Rorden, C., Warner, G., Hickok, G., Hillis, A. E., & Bonilha, L. (2021). Indirect White Matter Pathways Are Associated With Treated Naming Improvement in Aphasia. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, 35(4), 346–355. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968321999052
Hopkins-Rossabi, T., Rowe, M., McGrattan, K., Rossabi, S., & Martin-Harris, B. (2020). Respiratory– swallow training methods: Accuracy of automated detection of swallow onset, respiratory phase, lung volume at swallow onset, and real-time performance feedback tested in healthy adults. American Journal of Speech-language Pathology, 29 (2S), 1012-1021. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_ajslp-19-00201
Hopkins-Rossabi, T., Curtis, P., Temenak, M., Miller, C., & Martin-Harris, B. (2019). Respiratory phase and lung volume patterns during swallowing in healthy adults: A systematic review and metaanalysis. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 62(4), 868-882. https://doi.org/10.1044/2018_jslhr-s-18-0323
Garand, K. L., Strange, C., Paoletti, L., Hopkins-Rossabi, T., & Martin-Harris, B. (2018). Oropharyngeal swallow physiology and swallowing-related quality of life in underweight patients with concomitant advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 2663-2671. https://doi.org/10.2147/copd.s165657
MACAW Lab
In the MACAW Lab (Methods of Acquiring Concepts And Words) at MUSC, we are interested in how young children develop their vocabularies and broader language skills.
SLP Program
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at MUSC has an emphasis in medical speech-language pathology and prepares students to work as an SLP upon graduation.