Kazlin N. Mason

Assistant Professor; Director of the Imaging & Communication Outcomes Lab

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

Kazlin Mason is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Services and Director of the Imaging and Communication Outcomes (iCO) Laboratory where she conducts research integrating imaging technology (MRI and fNIRS), 3D computer visualization, and predictive analytics to study speech physiology and communication outcomes.

Dr. Mason’s areas of clinical expertise include cleft/craniofacial anomalies (and associated speech/feeding/swallowing disorders), voice and resonance disorders, and gender-affirming voice therapy. She has experience working with both children and adults across a variety of medical settings. Prior to her faculty appointment, she served as the coordinator for the voice and resonance disorders program in the Sheila Johnson Center where she established the clinical voice instrumentation lab for the center.

In addition, Dr. Mason serves as a research collaborator and speech pathologist on the craniofacial team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She also directs the Speech Pathology Team and provides support and training through bi-annual service trips with Smiles International Foundation.

Research Interests

Dr. Mason’s primary area of research focuses on applications of imaging methodologies for individuals with velopharyngeal dysfunction and associated cleft/craniofacial conditions. Her work aims to identify patient-specific indicators for successful surgical and speech outcomes. Current collaborative work examines how variations in pre-operative anatomy (e.g. muscle morphology and vocal tract dimensions) impact post-operative outcomes in children born with cleft palate. Her work utilizes this data to develop predictive models for improved communication outcomes, quality of life, and care coordination in this often underserved population. Additional lines of collaborative inquiry include clinical outcomes monitoring, computational and 3D modeling of the post-surgical velopharyngeal mechanism, and translation of research protocols to clinical practice.

Research

Research Lab

Imaging and Communication Outcomes (iCO) Lab

Research Areas

Keywords: Imaging; anatomy and physiology; velopharyngeal function/dysfunction; cleft lip and/or palate; speech physiology; voice and resonance disorders; 3D visualization; research translation; data science

Publications

A listing of published work can be found at the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information

Resources

  • Credentials and Affiliations

    Credentials

    • MS, Master of Science, Speech-Language Pathology
    • PhD, Doctor of Philosophy, Communication Sciences & Disorders
    • Fellowship, Center for Craniofacial Disorders, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
    • CCC-SLP, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology
    • Licensed in VA, NC, and GA

    Affiliations & Associations

    • American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA)
    • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
    • ASHA Special Interest Group 5: Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Disorders (SIG 5)
    • Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV)
  • Program Information

    Program Area

    Speech Communication Disorders

    Courses Taught

    • EDHS 7090: Neuroanatomy and Physiology of Communication, Swallowing, and Cognition
    • EDHS 7190: Voice & Resonance Disorders
    • EDHS 8130: Dysphagia