Leadership
Julius Fridriksson – Director
Julius Fridriksson is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and a SmartState Endowed Chair of Memory and Brain Functioning. He graduated from the Sudurnes Community College (Iceland) with a university preparatory degree (studentsprof) and later completed his M.A. in speech pathology at the University of Central Florida. He then received a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in Speech and Hearing Sciences in 2001. Following completion of Ph.D. study, Dr. Fridriksson joined the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Carolina. In 2016, he received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop the Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery (C-STAR). He is currently serving as the Vice President of Research at the University of South Carolina.
Dirk den Ouden – Primary Investigator
Dirk den Ouden is an Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders. He was trained in formal phonology and syntax at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and completed postdoctoral training in EEG and functional MRI, before moving to the University of South Carolina in 2010. Dirk directs the Neurolinguistics Lab and serves as the interim director of the Aphasia Lab in 2021-2022. Dirk’s research interest lies in the relation between language representations and language use, and in how their interplay is affected in language disorders. He has combined models based on linguistic theory with psycho- and neurolinguistic evidence in the investigation of language processing and impairment, particularly in the domains of phonology and syntax. However, he is also very much interested in the use of drama and music to improve quality of life in speakers with aphasia!
Sara Sayers – Associate Director
Sara Sayers is the Associate Director of the Aphasia Lab at the University of South Carolina. She graduated with a B.S. in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2007 and a M.S. in Speech Language Pathology at Towson University in 2009. She is an ASHA certified Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in adult neurogenic communication disorders. Her current focus is investigating how peoples’ brain health changes as they age as well as the neurological and social-emotional impacts of COVID-19 on recovered individuals. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing yoga, walking, and trying out new recipes.
Roger Newman-Norlund – Director of the McCausland Center for Brain Imaging (MCBI)
Roger is a cognitive neuroscientist interested in how the brain supports language production and comprehension. As a graduate student at Dartmouth College he mapped brain changes accompanying sound and gesture-based second language acquisition. As part of the Aphasia Lab at the University of South Carolina he uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to understand how the brain changes as people get older, as well as how the brain adapts following traumatic events. He has over a decade of experience in the application of computer technology-based training interventions designed to develop communication skills in clinical populations including stroke, traumatic brain injury and autism.
Staff
Makayla Gibson – Database Manager
Makayla Gibson recently took on the role of database manager for the UofSC Aphasia Lab. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of South Carolina in 2018 and has started her studies as a doctoral student in the Experimental Psychology Program at UofSC. Her research interests include neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques to study stroke and aphasia outcomes. Makayla is a South Carolina native who enjoys hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors!
Kelli Powell – Administrative Assistant
Kelli Powell is the Administrative Assistant in the Aphasia Laboratory. She has a B.S. in Business Administration & Management Science from the Darla Moore School of Business at UofSC. Although originally from southwest Florida, Kelli has called Columbia, SC home since obtaining her degree. In her free time, she loves to travel with her family but can usually be found at a baseball game or Gamecock sporting event.
Research Associates
Mary Aitchison – Speech-Language Pathologist
Mary Aitchison, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a Research Associate and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with the Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery (C-STAR). She graduated with her B.A.Sc. degree from the University of Guelph in Canada, and was awarded her Master’s and Ph.D. in Speech Pathology degrees from the University of South Carolina. With a career nearing 3 decades, Dr. Aitchison has held positions that allowed her to maintain and share her passion for clinical practice and collaboration in conjunction with teaching, supervision, and research. She served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UofSC School of Medicine – Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, and as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her clinical experience includes specialization in the rehabilitation of adults impacted by stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions.
Allison Croxton – Speech-Language Pathologist
Allison Croxton, M.S.P., CCC-SLP, is a research associate for the Center for the Study for Aphasia Recovery (C-STAR). Raised primarily in Central Kentucky, she moved to Columbia, SC during high school. She graduated from Dreher High School (’94), and earned a B.A. in English from Wofford College (’98). Her interests in language acquisition/recovery, the power of communication, and her desire to work in a field where she could help improve others’ quality of life, led her to pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She graduated in 2000 with her Master of Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina. Allison is excited to be a part of such important research, and is continually inspired by the individuals and families with whom she works. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her three children, extended family, and friends. She also enjoys walking, yoga, reading, photography & music.
Cissy Farrar – Speech-Language Pathologist
Sandra (Cissy) Farrar, M.C.D., CCC-SLP, is a research associate for the Center for the Study for Aphasia Recovery (C-STAR) and the Speech Neuroscience Lab. She graduated from Columbia College with a BA in Speech Language Pathology in 2001 and a MA in Communication Disorders from the University of South Carolina in 2005. Cissy has held various positions as a Speech Language Pathologist, targeting age groups within early childhood and geriatric populations. Her recent clinical experience focused on rehabilitation of adults affected by stroke and other neurological conditions. Her passion lies in validation and improvement of life’s quality and purpose of individuals experiencing communication deficits. Cissy enjoys outside activities (specifically beach time), playing the piano and spending time with family.
Sarah Newman-Norlund
Sarah Newman-Norlund is a research associate for the Aging Brain Cohort (ABC) which is a research team dedicated to understanding the factors influencing brain health across the adult lifespan. She graduated from Mary Washington College (VA) with a B.A. in Psychology (2001) and earned her Master’s in Psychological and Brain Sciences (2003). Sarah moved to Columbia, SC with her husband Roger in 2009 from the Netherlands where she worked on an international research project looking at communicative intentions and the brain. She has dedicated her career to research in multiple domains including cancer research, communication, cognition, neuroscience, and pediatric medicine. Everything is better with teamwork and she loves being a part of ABC and C-STAR. Sarah also enjoys spending time with her three children, hiking, baking, making jewelry, and walking her dog Bella.
Research Faculty and Post-Doctoral Fellows
Natalie Hetherington
Natalie (Busby) Hetherington, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral fellow from the UK where she earned both her B.S. in Psychology and Biology and M.Res. in Neuroscience from Newcastle University. She graduated with her doctoral degree from the Neuroscience and Aphasia Unit at the University of Manchester at the end of last year before moving to SC. Her research interests include using neuroimaging, in particular structural connectivity, to investigate language recovery post-stroke. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys travelling and photography.
Lisa Johnson
Lisa Johnson Norris, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor in the Aphasia Lab. Prior to completing her doctoral degree at UofSC, she received her B.S. from Arizona State University in Speech and Hearing Science where she found a passion for studying adult neurogenic disorders. Her primary research interests include investigating the behavioral and neural factors which predict treatment response and aphasia severity, how neural synchrony can impact language ability, and the effects of overall health on neural changes after stroke. She recently started gardening and loves to show off her fresh tomatoes and cucumbers any chance she gets!
Sigfus Kristinsson
Sigfus Kristinsson is a Research Assistant Professor in the Aphasia Lab. Sigfus graduated with a B.A. in Icelandic from the University of Iceland and later completed his M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at the University of Iceland. Sigfus worked clinically as an SLP after graduation, primarily providing speech therapy to stroke survivors. He then completed his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in 2021. Following completion of his Ph.D., Dr. Kristinsson joined the UofSC Aphasia Lab as a postdoctoral fellow.
Alex Teghipco
Alex Teghipco is a postdoctoral fellow. Alex studied psycholinguistics at the University of Rochester, where he received a B.A in brain and cognitive science as well as philosophy. He spent two years studying language reorganization in epilepsy and stroke patients at the Rochester Center for Brain Imaging before getting his Ph.D in cognitive neuroscience at the University of California, Irvine. Alex is interested in understanding which changes in the brain following injury facilitate language recovery. He enjoys spending his free time with family and friends, especially while hiking, camping, and playing board games.”
Doctoral Students
Lauren Hammond
Lauren Hammond, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and doctoral student. She graduated from California State University-Fullerton with a B.S. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and from California Baptist University with an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. Most recently, Lauren worked as an SLP in a variety of medical settings including skilled nursing, outpatient rehabilitation, and sub-acute rehabilitation, specializing in adult cognitive and linguistic evaluation and treatment. Lauren’s research interests include formal measurement of functional communication and how psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic features of speech and language use impact quality of life and life participation in persons with aphasia.
Samaneh Nemati
Samaneh Nemati, M.S, Biomedical Engineering is a doctoral student in the Aphasia Laboratory at the University of South Carolina. She graduated with a M.S in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience at Ferdowsi University (Iran). Then she joined Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and the National Center for PTSD, as a Postgraduate Associate Researcher where her work focused on applying connectivity-based approaches to elucidate biomarkers of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Her current focus is application of multivariate methods of data analysis to neuroimaging data of healthy and damaged brains, with a particular emphasis on a clinical population of stroke survivors.
Nicholas Riccardi
Nicholas Riccardi is a doctoral student in the Experimental Psychology program at UofSC. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology from UofSC in 2015. He uses neuroimaging, brain stimulation, and lesion-symptom mapping to study the neural organization of language processing. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and travelling.
Sarah Wilson
Sarah Wilson is a doctoral student in the Linguistics program, specializing in Psycholinguistics. She received her B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Tennessee in 2018 and her M.A. in Linguistics from the University of South Carolina in 2022. She is a member of the Aging Brain Cohort (ABC) team in the Aphasia Lab. Her research interests include using behavioral and brain stimulation techniques to study lexical and syntactic processing, linguistic alignment, and the role of memory in discourse. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, horseback riding, exploring historic sites, and spending time with family.
Graduate Students
Danielle Arnett
Danielle Arnett is a speech language pathology graduate student at the University of South Carolina. She is from Statesboro, Georgia where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Georgia Southern University. Danielle is primarily interested in working with the adult population in an acute rehabilitation setting, but also enjoys working with children and adults with disabilities. She is excited for the opportunity to enhance her education at USC by becoming a member of the Aphasia Lab and looks forward to all the experience the Aphasia Lab has to offer!
Mollie Baar
Mollie Baar is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Columbia City, Indiana and received her undergraduate degree at Purdue University in Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences with a minor in ASL. Mollie looks forward to gaining experience and knowledge about aphasia while working in the lab. She likes to spend her free time outdoors with her dog, reading a book, or being with friends.
Katie Beman
Katie Beman is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at UofSC. She is from Ponte Vedra, Florida and obtained her undergraduate degree in Public Health with a minor in Psychology from UofSC. In the future, Katie hopes to eventually work with adults or children who have neurogenic disorders and is very excited to have the opportunity to work in the Aphasia Lab. In her free time, she loves to go on walks, read, and hang out with her friends and family.
Lacey Boss
Lacey Boss is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and received her undergraduate degree from UofSC with a B.A. in Public Health and a minor in Psychology. Lacey is excited to be a part of the Aphasia lab and is looking forward to learning more about stroke research. She is interested in working with children in a school or hospital setting. Lacey loves spending time with friends and family, going on walks, and watching movies.
Gillian Bowman
Gillian Bowman is a graduate student in the University of South Carolina Speech-Language Pathology Program. She is from Greenfield, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Speech and Hearing Science. Gillian is looking forward to being a graduate assistant in the Aphasia Lab! She enjoys reading, traveling, and staying active in her free time!
Shatyrah Copeland
Shatyrah Copeland is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Program at USC. I am from Oak Ridge, TN and recently graduated from East Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Rehabilitative Health Sciences. I enjoy spending time with family and friends!
Maddie Dinkins
Maddie Dinkins is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Blythewood, SC and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Public Health. She hopes to work with adults who have neurogenic disorders in a hospital setting one day! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog and going to the lake.
Abby Fleenor
Abby Fleenor is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at UofSC. She is from Uniontown, Pennsylvania and graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Communication Disorders and a minor in Gerontology. Abby is interested in working in a pediatric medical setting. In her free time, Abby enjoys reading, going to the gym, and watching reality television. Abby is excited to experience all that UofSC & South Carolina have to offer!
Emily Huckaby
Emily Huckaby is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is originally from Griffin, GA and attend the University of Georgia, where she graduated with a B.S.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has always been interested in working with children, but she is really excited to expand her interests and gain some experience with adults and neurogenic disorders in the Aphasia lab. Emily also enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going to see musicals, and attending concerts.
Corrie LaBelle
Corrie LaBelle is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Nashua, New Hampshire and she graduated with a B.A. in Communicative Disorders and Spanish with a psychology minor from the University of Alabama. Roll tide! Although she is excited to learn what all the field has to offer, Corrie is especially interested in neurogenic communicative disorders. In her free time, she loves to spend time outdoors and hang out with friends and family.
Anna Lewis
Anna Lewis is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Warsaw, Virginia and earned her B.S. in Education from the University of Virginia with a major in Speech Communication Disorders and a minor is Psychology. Anna hopes to work with children in the future, and is excited to be a part of the Aphasia Lab. She is excited to be in Columbia and explore a new city. Outside of her studies, she enjoys going to farmer’s markets, walking her dog, and spending time with friends and family.
Allison Mehler
Allison Mehler is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Cumming, GA and received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and a minor in Business at the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs!! She is so excited to be a graduate assistant on the Aging Brain Cohort team and hopes to work with children in the medical setting one day. In her free time, Allison enjoys road trips, making brunch, working out, and spending time outside.
Miya Morrison
Miya Morrison is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Barboursville, WV, and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with minors in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. In her free time, she loves to spend time with friends and family, go on walks and try new things. She is excited to be introduced to the diverse opportunities that both the COMD program and the University of South Carolina have to offer!
Kiera Rendon
Kiera Rendon is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Sarasota Florida and earned her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Child Development from Florida State University. She is looking forward to all of the opportunities she has to work with people with aphasia in the lab and the aphasia groups. Kiera hopes to work in private practice or a medical setting with older populations with neurogenic diseases. Outside of being in the lab, she likes to be outside, listen and play music, and do some gardening and taking care of her plants.
Laney Ruth
Laney Ruth is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at UofSC. She is from Lexington, Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minors in Psychology and Music Performance. Laney wants to work with adults with aphasia and is excited about the knowledge she will gain from assisting in the Aging Brain Cohort. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her cat.
Melanie Semcesen
Melanie Semcesen is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Charlotte, North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned her B.S. in Psychology with minors in French and Speech and Hearing Sciences. She is excited to learn more about the field of Speech-Language Pathology and work in the Aphasia Lab. Melanie enjoys spending time with her friends, hiking and camping, travelling, and reading in her free time.
Allie South
Allie South is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Morganton, NC and earned her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Appalachian State University. Allie hopes to work in the medical setting with adults who have neurogenic disorders. In her free time, Allie loves spending time with her family and friends, working out, cooking, and reading.
Gianna Venafra
Gianna Venafra is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of South Carolina. She is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Linguistics. Gianna is most interested in working in a medical setting with children or adults who have neurogenic disorders. Gianna is grateful for the opportunity to work in the Aphasia lab and is looking forward to gaining more experience. She is excited to live in a new city and cannot wait to explore all Columbia has to offer!
Undergraduate Students
Carlyn Gibbs
Carlyn Gibbs is an undergraduate student at The University of South Carolina originally from Lexington, SC. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health. She hopes to attend graduate school to receive her Master’s in Speech Language Pathology and to one day be able to work in the hospital helping stroke patients. In her free time, she loves to try new restaurants with friends, wakeboarding, working out, and traveling!
Jade Hannan
Jade is an undergraduate student in the South Carolina Honors College studying biology, neuroscience, and French. She is interested in neuroplasticity and exploring how the brain recovers after injury. Originally from Atlantic Beach, Florida, Jade aspires to attend medical school and serve others as a compassionate listener and advocate. In her spare time, Jade enjoys baking, playing tennis, and visiting national parks with her family.
Hailey Kimmel
Hailey Kimmel is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She is from Summerville, SC. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in anesthesiology. In her free time, Hailey enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new food, working out, and playing with her dog.
Kendall Mahmood
Kendall Mahmood is a senior Public Health major at the University of South Carolina. She is originally from Fort Mill, SC. After graduation in May 2024, she plans to attend graduate school and obtain a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. Kendall hopes to one day work in a hospital to help improve communication function and quality of life for older adults following a stroke or TBI. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, yoga, and hanging out with friends or family.
Gillian Nyland
Gillian is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina majoring in Public Health. She is from Charleston, SC. After graduation in May of 2024, Gillian plans to obtain a Master’s degree to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. Gillian is interested in helping individuals of all ages and various needs in a hospital setting. As a member of the executive board of the Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Interest Group (SLPAIG), Gillian is able to gain meaningful experience and make connections within the community. In her free time, Gillian enjoys exercising and spending time with friends and family.
Trusha Patel
Hey everyone, my name is Trusha Patel, and I am an undergraduate student at the South Carolina Honors College majoring in Public Health B.S. and minoring in Business Administration. After graduation in 2024, I plan on attending medical school and pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy working out, trying new foods, traveling, and playing tennis.
Avani Shah
Avani Shah is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina. She is from Fort Mill, South Carolina. She is currently majoring in Public Health with a minor in Biology and is on the Pre-Med track with plans to go to Medical School. In the future, she hopes to work as an Ob-Gyn or in Internal medicine. In her free time, she loves trying new foods, binging tv shows, dancing, and hanging out with her friends!
Nilofar Sherzad
Nilofar Sherzad is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Biology. Nilo plans on attending Med-school after graduating in Spring 2025. She is greatly interested in how the human brain functions and is looking forward to gain experience in the healthcare field. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing soccer or watching Grey’s Anatomy (for the fourth time).
Erica Swierski
Erica Swierski is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina, originally from North Augusta, SC. She is a rising senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health and passionate about becoming a Speech Language Pathologist. After graduating in December of 2023, Erica plans on attending graduate school to earn her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, with Feeding Therapy certification. Although originally set on working with children, she now hopes to end up with the population in the most need of her help. During free time Erica enjoys painting, gardening, and exercising with friends and family.