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Director: Zed Sehyr, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Communication Sciences and Disorders Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Chapman University Dr. Sehyr is an Assistant Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders in Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Chapman University. She earned her Ph.D. from University College London (UCL) in Cognitive, Perceptual, and Brain Sciences. Her research centers at the intersection of linguistics, cognition, and neuroscience. Dr. Sehyr’s research examines the neural underpinnings of visual language processing and reading. She investigates how our experiences shape visual and language networks and how these pathways adapt to deafness or sign language experience. Dr. Sehyr is a co-developer of ASL-LEX, a lexical database for American Sign Language. Her most recent work utilizes computer-assisted analyses and machine learning to advance linguistic research. Dr. Sehyr is committed to advocating for the empowerment and inclusion of marginalized and underrepresented groups in STEM and academia. Email: [email protected] |
Reed Blaylock, Ph.D.
Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Chapman University Dr. Blaylock is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Cognition Language and Perception Lab, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Chapman University. He earned his Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Southern California. His research uses signal processing and computational methods to study how people use their bodies to produce language and music. Dr. Blaylock's current work investigates phonetic and phonological variation in American Sign Language using computer vision technology to track the movements of the face and hands. His previous work included describing how beatboxers create vocal music and comparing the production of beatboxing sounds to the production of speech sounds. Dr. Blaylock is committed to empowering marginalized and underrepresented groups to shape the future of Linguistics and STEM, and to making scientific research methods and outcomes more accessible to everyone. Email: [email protected] Website: https://reedblaylock.com |
Aditi Anand
BA Applied Human Physiology Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Chapman University Aditi Anand is a deaf and hard of hearing student majoring in Applied Human Physiology at Chapman University, focused on advancing health equity and advocating for the deaf and hard of hearing community. As the founder of AURA (Aspire Unity, Reform, & Activism in Health), she leads initiatives to promote equitable healthcare and inclusive education. Aditi's work emphasizes breaking down barriers in healthcare and academic environments through improved communication strategies, with a particular focus on neurodiversity and sensory inclusion. Her goal is to become an OBGYN, advocating for comprehensive reproductive healthcare and equitable access for all. Lauren Fillet MS Communication Sciences and Disorders Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Chapman University Lauren Fillet is a Chapman graduate student pursuing an MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She received her BA in Psychological Science from UC Irvine and has since gained ample experience working with children & adolescents in Special Education. Lauren is interested in further understanding the neurological & cognitive bases of human behavior, abilities, and disorders. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology to advance research in the etiology and treatment of ASD, childhood-onset mental illness & trauma, and specifically how language & communication can facilitate healing & wellbeing for children and families impacted by said conditions. Lauren is a proud member of the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society, is a CRLA certified Writing Tutor, and has received Pro-ACT Assault Crisis Training. |
Danielle Moraga
BA Psychology & Neuroscience Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Chapman University Danielle Moraga is a Psychology and Neuroscience student at Chapman University as well as a Software Development student at Mira Costa College. She has plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology as well as use her software development knowledge to aid in research. Danielle is a proud member of the Chapman Psi Chi Honors Society, and Chapman Undergraduate Neuroscience Society, and has completed training on Psychological First Aid. |
Neil Pal
BS Computer Science Fowler School of Engineering Chapman University Neil Pal is a Computer Science student at Chapman University with a keen interest in the practical uses of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in furthering human abilities. Beyond his professional interests, Neil is a proud Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, holds Emergency Medical Response certification, and is also a published author. |