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Welcome SCSC RAs!

Welcome SCSC RAs!

The SCSC welcomes Research Assistants Hannah, Emma, and Paige. We are thrilled to have you as part of our team!

kjg2709 2021-10-25T14:35:20-05:00 October 25th, 2021|Uncategorized|

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We’re counting down the days to the 2024 ASHA Co

We’re counting down the days to the 2024 ASHA Convention!

Be sure to check out our presentations from the SCSC! 💜

New SCSC Publication! The purpose of the present

Dr. Martin-Harris will be hosting a research open

Dr. Martin-Harris will be hosting a research open house in the Swallowing Cross-Systems Collaborative lab on Friday, November 22nd at 1:30pm. This event will be open to Northwestern University undergraduate and graduate students interested in learning more about the research conducted in the SCSC, opportunities to get involved in research, and clinical training opportunities.

The open house will begin with a tour of the lab and overview of Dr. Martin-Harris’ program of research and will include an opportunity to observe a Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) remotely in the lab at 2:00pm using TIMS Connect.

We hope to see you there!

On Tuesday, November 5th, Dr. Martin-Harris gave t

On Tuesday, November 5th, Dr. Martin-Harris gave the inaugural Bonnie Martin-Harris Endowed Lectureship at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

The Endowed Lectureship is sponsored by the Evelyn Trammell Foundation and named in honor of Martin-Harris’s ground breaking contributions to the advancement of research in the areas of swallowing and cross system functions of the aerodigestive tract. This distinguished lectureship will feature leading experts in the fields of speech-language pathology and otolaryngology, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to improving the lives of individuals living with dysphagia.

Dr. Bonnie Martin-Harris, a distinguished leader in the field, received her Ph.D. from Northwestern under the mentorship of the late Dr. Jerilyn Logemann, and served as the inaugural lecturer, sharing her invaluable insights and contributions to this vital area of study.

Dr. Martin-Harris and the SCSC welcomed visiting s

Dr. Martin-Harris and the SCSC welcomed visiting scholar Dr. Michelle Lawton, PhD, MRCSLT to Northwestern University for a week of research training.

Dr. Lawton is a Clinical Academic Speech and Language Therapist, specializing in dysphagia, working across the University of Liverpool and Mid Cheshire NHS Trust. She is currently undertaking an NIHR Advanced Fellowship, developing and evaluating the feasibility of a novel intervention to improve swallow function for people following head and neck cancer, in addition to working clinically as an Advanced Clinical Specialist in head and neck oncology. She is passionate about developing innovative technologies through research to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Lawton received her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Therapy from Manchester Metropolitan University (BSc (Hons): first) in 2003. She went on to complete a PhD at the University of Manchester, winning a Stroke Association postgraduate Fellowship in 2013. As part of her PhD, she developed a psychometric scale to measure the impact of developing a positive therapeutic alliance in aphasia rehabilitation, which is now being translated internationally. Following her PhD, she secured an NIHR postdoctoral bridging Fellowship in 2021 and Advanced Fellowship in 2023.

It was a pleasure to host Dr. Lawton for a week of mentorship and international collaboration.

New article from the SCSC! Saadi, R., Rangwala, R

New article from the SCSC!

Saadi, R., Rangwala, R., Shaikh, H., Laghi, F., & Martin-Harris, B. (2024). The Effects of Noninvasive Respiratory Support on Swallowing Physiology, Airway Protection, and Respiratory-Swallow Pattern in Adults: A Systematic Review. Respiratory medicine, 107844. Advance online publication. https://doi-org.turing.library.northwestern.edu/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107844

The use of noninvasive respiratory support- namely high flow of oxygen delivered via nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) - has been expanding in recent years. The physiologic mechanisms underlying each of these forms of support are generally well understood. In contrast, the effects on the sensorimotor mechanisms of swallowing movements, and of breathing and swallowing coordination ─ critical elements of airway protection and bolus clearance ─ remain unclear. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the existing evidence about the impact of noninvasive respiratory support on swallowing mechanics, airway protection, and respiratory-swallowing patterns in adults.

We identified 15 articles that met inclusion criteria. In healthy adults, results demonstrated mixed effects of HFNC and CPAP on measures of swallowing function, airway protection, and respiratory swallowing patterns. Negative effects on respiratory-swallowing patterns were reported with NIV. In adults with heterogeneous respiratory diagnoses, six studies reported that HFNC, CPAP, or nasal NIV improved measures of swallowing and respiratory-swallowing patterns. HFNC has mixed effects on swallowing measures in ICU patients. NIV increased atypical respiratory-swallowing patterns in patients with stable COPD.

Due to small sample sizes and the wide variation in study designs, the impact of noninvasive respiratory support on swallowing, airway protection, and respiratory-swallowing patterns cannot be confidently assessed based on the current evidence. Future studies using standardized, validated, and reproducible methods to assess the impact of noninvasive respiratory support on swallowing physiology and airway protection are warranted.

Welcome to the SCSC Dr. Heather McGhee, post-docto

Welcome to the SCSC Dr. Heather McGhee, post-doctoral fellow! 💜

Heather recently completed her Ph.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) under the mentorship of Dr. Heather Bonilha. She holds a B.S. from The University of Georgia and an M.S. from Florida State University. With 20 years of clinical experience, she has dedicated most of her career to specialized pediatric care, focusing on NICU patients and those with airway and craniofacial conditions. During her time at MUSC, Heather was a member of the NICU Feeding, Aerodigestive, and Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Insufficiency teams. Her clinical and research interests center on feeding and swallowing disorders in premature infants.

New publication from the SCSC! Graham, K., Reedy

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