Kazlin Mason

Kazlin Mason leads a translational research program advancing precision diagnosis and treatment of speech and resonance disorders in children with cleft and craniofacial differences. Her work integrates advanced imaging, 3D computational modeling, and predictive analytics to define how anatomy and physiology shape speech and surgical outcomes. She translates these insights into patient-specific clinical tools, with recent work spanning MRI-based assessment of velopharyngeal function, machine-learning approaches to outcome prediction, and regenerative tissue-engineering strategies for craniofacial reconstruction. This work aims to improve treatment selection, predict outcomes more accurately, and reduce the need for repeated surgical interventions.

Mason’s research has been supported and recognized through several grants and awards, including funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Association, and The Hartwell Foundation. She is a recipient of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Outstanding Faculty Award and the University of Virginia's Research Excellence award.

As a medically focused speech-language pathologist, Mason’s teaching interests span anatomy and physiology, imaging science, research methods, and the assessment of voice, resonance, and swallowing disorders. Her clinical expertise includes cleft and craniofacial anomalies, velopharyngeal dysfunction and resonance disorders, voice and upper airway disorders, and pediatric dysphagia.

Mason is an active member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA). Her professional service has included editorial roles with the ASHA Journals, service on the Specialty Review Board for The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, and Editor of the Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Disorders section of Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups.

Mason holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Ph.D., East Carolina University
M.S., State University of New York at Fredonia
B.S., State University of New York at Fredonia

• Applications of imaging methodologies for individuals with velopharyngeal dysfunction and associated cleft/craniofacial conditions
• Patient-specific indicators for successful surgical and speech outcomes
• Predictive models for improved communication outcomes, quality of life, and care coordination
• Clinical outcomes monitoring, computational and 3D modeling of the post-surgical velopharyngeal mechanism, and translation of research protocols to clinical practice
• Keywords: Cleft and craniofacial disorders; velopharyngeal dysfunction; speech and resonance disorders; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); speech physiology; computational modeling; machine learning; predictive analytics; precision medicine; surgical outcomes; tissue engineering; translational research