Imaging & Communication Outcomes Lab
What We Do
The Imaging & Communication Outcomes Lab, under the direction of Kazlin Mason, PhD CCC-SLP, is dedicated to improving speech, resonance, and feeding outcomes for individuals born with craniofacial differences.
Our methodologies integrate imaging technology (MRI and fNIRS), 3D computer visualization, machine learning, predictive analytics, and acoustic and aerodynamic data. These techniques allow us to examine the anatomy and physiology of the speech, swallowing, and velopharyngeal mechanisms which serve to inform clinical practice and support evidence-based interventions for this population.
Our Partners
The lab is excited to offer research opportunities to undergraduate students in CSD and graduate students in the masters and doctoral degree programs in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. Our lab frequently collaborates with colleagues across the University of Virginia, the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program, Sheila C. Johnson Center, UVAHealth, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Center for Craniofacial Disorders the International Cleft Collective.
Participate in a Research Study
Are you interested in participating in one of our studies? If so, please navigate to the link below and complete the form to let us know which study you’d like to join! Thank you for your interest!
Contact Us!
Prospective Collaborators
Nearly all of our projects are conducted with one or more collaborators, both within and outside the field of speech pathology. We have found that projects are strengthened when intellectual and resource contributions come from multiple disciplines. If you are interested in collaborating or just want to find out more about our research, please contact the lab director.
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Lab Director
Kazlin Mason
- Assistant Professor
- Director of the Imaging and Communication Outcomes Lab
Current Projects
Anatomy & Physiology of the Vocal Tract, Velopharynx, and Clefting
Quantifying the Anatomy & Physiology of the Vocal Tract, Velopharynx, and Clefting
Surgical Outcomes for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Assessing anatomic predictors for surgical outcomes in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction using advanced imaging modalities
Compensatory Articulation & Brain Imaging
Using functional imaging to assess anatomy & neurophysiology of compensatory articulation error production
Computational Modeling
Collaborative development of computational models for surgical success
Clinical Outcomes Assessment
Center-wide and multi-site analyses of clinical outcomes
Featured Publications
Our lab's publications can be found on our external website.
Prospective Students
The iCO Lab seeks outstanding scholars to join our research team as PhD students. The iCO Lab can support master's degree students in their research aspirations and often has positions for UVA undergraduate students.
Funding
The iCo Lab has been supported by the following funding mechanisms:
- Start-Up Support, University of Virginia
- American Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Association
- 3Cavaliers
- Center for Engineering in Medicine
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences(NCATS)
- National Institute for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
- National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Service Initiatives
Local, state, national, and international educational outreach and service is an integral part of our lab’s mission. The lab supports and organizes a number of opportunities for UVA students to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference in our community, local organizations across Virginia and the United States, and abroad.
Volunteer Internationally
Our lab frequently travels on short-term mission trips to developing countries where we have the opportunity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. We complete evaluations of velopharyngeal function, provide input regarding which patients are optimal candidates for primary and secondary surgeries and are heavily involved in patient/family education. If you are interested in traveling with us on an upcoming mission, please contact the lab director.
Students may have the opportunity to travel with Dr. Mason through a competitive application process.
Participate in World Voice Day
Each April, our lab participates in collaborative World Voice Day events. World Voice Day is an annual event that is devoted to the celebration of the phenomenon of voice throughout the world. The aim of this initiative is to demonstrate the enormous importance of the voice in the daily lives of all people. Our lab is involved in coordinating informational, educational, and outreach events in collaboration with the UVA community, UVA Health Voice & Swallowing Center, UVA NSSLHA Chapter, and the Communication Sciences & Disorders program. Please reach out to Dr. Mason if you would like to participate in any events or have ideas for events.
Featured News
Q&A: How Technology Is Revolutionizing Care for Cleft and Craniofacial Differences
UVA researchers are using cutting-edge imaging, 3D visualization and machine learning to address speech difficulties for children with cleft lip and palate.