People
Bridget Walsh, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Developmental Speech Lab Director
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Dr. Bridget Walsh is the Principal Investigator of the Developmental Speech Lab. Bridget is a licensed speech-language pathologist and Assistant Professor of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University. She received her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience from Purdue University. Bridget’s research focuses on the mechanisms underlying the development of stuttering in young children. She uses a multilevel approach combining physiological, behavioral, and clinical measures to investigate why many young children recover from early stuttering while others persist and develop a lifelong condition.
With support from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at the National Institutes of Health, the Developmental Speech Lab is conducting a 5-year longitudinal study to map the development of neurological, behavioral, and experiential factors in young children who are stuttering to learn how these factors unfold over time and contribute to different stuttering outcomes in individual children—persistence or recovery. This research will bring new, comprehensive insights into the development of stuttering leading to advances in diagnostic and intervention approaches.
Katelyn Gerwin, Ph.D.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Katelyn (Katie) Gerwin is a post-doctoral research associate in the Developmental Speech Laboratory directed by Dr. Bridget Walsh. She is interested in the neural underpinnings of speech and language processing in children who stutter, children with speech sound disorders, and children with both disorders. Her research focuses on the development of phonological processing in these clinical populations and how this development may combine with other factors to predict stuttering recovery and persistence.
Katie received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology from Purdue University. She completed her clinical fellowship in the M.D. Steer Speech, Language, and Swallowing Clinic concentrating on assessment and treatment for individuals who stutter across the lifespan.
Seth E. Tichenor, Ph.D.
Collaborator
Dr. Tichenor is a person who stutters, a speech-language pathologist, and an assistant professor at Duquesne University. His research interests include better understanding and predicting individual differences in the experience of stuttering (stammering), understanding how adverse impact related to the condition develops, and determining how moments of stuttering occur in speech. He is currently investigating the role cognitive-affective processes have on speech production and language formulation processes in stuttering and non-clinical populations. Dr. Tichenor also practices clinically and is actively involved in clinical education regarding stuttering assessment and treatment.
Hunter Stuck
Research Coordinator
Hunter Stuck is a Research Coordinator in the Developmental Speech Lab at Michigan State University under the direction of Dr. Bridget Walsh. He is excited to support research focused on speech, language, and developmental processes in young children, with an emphasis on work that promotes accessibility and positive outcomes for children and families.
Hunter earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Youth and Society, from Michigan State University. He also has experience working in university and early childhood settings, specifically at MSU's Early Learning Institute & within ComArtSci. He is particularly interested in research that bridges developmental science and practical applications to support diverse learners.
Matthew Phillips, M.A., CCC-SLP
PhD Student
Matthew (Matt) Phillips is a person who stutters, speech therapist, and first-year PhD student in the Developmental Speech Lab under the direction of Dr. Bridget Walsh. He is excited to join the lab and study stuttering using a wide range of perspectives, from neurophysiology to the lived experience of people who stutter. Matt is especially interested in conducting research that improves the evidence-base of strengths-based speech therapy approaches that bolster self-acceptance and resilience in people who stutter.
Matt practices clinically as a speech therapist at the Sisskin Stuttering Center, where he provides speech therapy to people who stutter across the lifespan using an Avoidance Reduction Therapy for Stuttering (ARTS®) framework. He is passionate about helping people who stutter become more confident, effective, and joyful communicators!
Matt earned his master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Connecticut, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences & Psychology.
Mackenzie Meerschaert
Graduate Research Assistant
Mackenzie is a second-year Master's student in Speech-Language Pathology at Michigan State University. She joined the Developmental Speech Lab to gain hands-on experience working with children, with the goal of becoming a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. Mackenzie is deeply passionate about helping children communicate to their fullest potential, and she is excited to participate in meaningful research focused on stuttering in children. Through her work in the lab, she aims to enhance her clinical knowledge and contribute to a greater understanding of speech and language development in pediatric populations.
Caroline Crago
Graduate Research Assistant
Caroline is a first-year graduate student at Michigan State University in the Developmental Speech Lab. She recently graduated from Michigan State University with her Bachelor's of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Caroline's clinical aspirations lie in medical speech-language pathology, and she is excited to see how the experiences she has in the lab will translate into clinical practice. She joined the lab because of her love of working with children and the insight it will give her into the world of research.
Trevor Moran
Graduate Research Assistant
Trevor is a first-year graduate student at Michigan State University pursuing a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology. He recently graduated with a degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University. As a person who stutters, Trevor joined the lab to gain research experience and work towards improving the lives of people with communication disorders. Trevor is also an active member of the Spartan Stuttering Group and the Lansing Chapter of the National Stuttering Association.
Elaina Bortolini
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Elaina is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, with minors in Education and Business. After her undergraduate degree, she hopes to obtain a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Elaina joined this lab because she loves working with young children and is passionate about research!
Megan Moore
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Megan is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. She hopes to attend grad school to pursue a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology to become a pediatric SLP. Megan decided to join the Developmental Speech Lab because she loves working with children. Additionally, she wanted the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives while gaining experience that will benefit her future career.
Nina VanOtteren
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Nina is an undergraduate student at MSU majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. She plans on attending medical school to become a Pediatrician with a specialization in Audiology or Neurology. She is also planning to potentially pursue a graduate degree in Speech Language Pathology after completing her medical degree. Nina is extremely excited to gain research experience while working with children, which is something she loves to do.
Gina Matheson
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Gina is an undergraduate student at Michigan State University majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Dance. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and become a pediatric SLP while continuing to teach dance. Gina joined the lab because of her interest in the science behind stuttering and her love for working with children. Through her future career, she hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of children by helping them build confidence and find their voice.