Current Lab Members
Lab Leadership
Cara Stepp (she/her), Ph.D., directs the STEPP LAB for Sensorimotor Rehabilitation Engineering and is a Professor in the Departments of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. She received the S.B. in Engineering Science from Smith College, S.M. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences & Technology. She completed postdoctoral training in Computer Science & Engineering and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington. She enjoys family time with her husband Boudu, daughter MJ, and dog Cruz.
Jenny Vojtech, (she/her), MS, Ph.D., is a research assistant professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and serves as the Associate Director of the Stepp Lab. Jenny holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University, where she studied computational methods to improve clinical voice assessments in the Stepp Lab. She returned to Boston University after working as a Senior Research Scientist at Delsys, Inc., where she focused on creating strategies and technologies for applications in assistive technology for communication and clinical evaluations of speech and voice.
Associated Faculty
Joseph Perkell, Ph.D, D.M.D, is a senior research scientist in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at Boston University. He received his S.B. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, D.M.D from Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and PhD in Speech Communication from MIT. Dr. Perkell’s primary area of research is in speech motor control, with a strong focus on speech kinematics, constraints and motor control strategies, and the role of hearing. His research laboratory at MIT developed the EMMA system, the first electromagnetic articulometer system, which was demonstrated to have the accuracy and reliability required for rigorous research on speech kinematics. Dr. Perkell has also studied the brain mechanisms underlying speech motor control and the influence of these mechanisms on speech kinematics and acoustics.
Magdalen Balz, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Lecturer in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences at Boston University. She received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire and her M.S. in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences from Boston University. Prior to returning to BU as clinical faculty, Maggie was a speech language pathologist at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. Her clinical and research interests include assessment and treatment of cognitive and language abilities among people with neurological, neurodegenerative, and genetic disorders, as well as preventative cognitive intervention for seniors.
Daniel Buckley, MS, CCC-SLP, is a faculty lecturer in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences at Boston University. He received his M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and a clinical fellowship in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders with the USC Voice Center at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California. Daniel is a research speech-language pathologist in the Stepp lab, where his research focuses include high-speed laryngeal imaging, the acoustic evaluation of voice in various populations including laryngeal dystonia, muscle tension dysphonia, and Parkinson’s disease, and the efficacy of various novel voice interventions. He also supervises the Boston University Voice Clinic, and is a practicing clinician in the Department of Otolaryngology’s Voice and Swallowing Center at Boston Medical Center.
Staff
Manuel Díaz Cádiz (he/him) is a research fellow for the STEPP Lab. He received his M.S. in Electronic Engineering from the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María. He was a visiting student of Real-time Embedded Software Group in the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, in 2014; and is a former student of the the Voice Production Laboratory (VPLab) from the Department of Electronic Engineering at UTFSM. His research interests are related to digital signal processing, image and video analysis, computer vision algorithms and advanced digital systems design. He was a recipient of a CONICYT scholarship from the Chilean Government, an Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship from the Government of Canada and the award for best project of the Maxwell category at the EXPO ELO 2015 (UTFSM). He is interested in developing analysis tools and interfaces for speech related research, that involves acquisition, visualization, and analysis within the voice investigation area. He enjoys playing soccer, listening to science & space-related podcasts… and making homemade empanadas once in a while.
Alex Estrada (they/them) is a research fellow for the STEPP Lab. They graduated from Emerson College in 2022 with a BS in Communication Sciences & Disorders and a minor in Creative Writing. They’re excited to begin their research career at the Stepp Lab. Alex’s research interests include acoustics, speech breathing, comparative laryngeal anatomy, and listener perceptions of voice. They are also interested in ways to boost clinician competence in areas of AAC, dual sensory loss and gender affirming care. In their free time, Alex enjoys solving puzzles, learning about other scientific disciplines, listening to baseball games, and making all kinds of art.
Samantha Grynberg, (she/her), M.S., CCC-SLP, is a practicing speech-language pathologist and STEPP Lab member. She currently practices at Hebrew SeniorLife, supporting the geriatric community with services addressing speech, language, voice, cognition, and swallowing. She received her M.S. in Communication Disorders from Emerson College. Her clinical focus is providing personalized education to her patients so they can fully understand and take ownership of their care. She is grateful to contribute her clinical skills to the STEPP Lab and support research that directly impacts her fellow clinicians and patients.
Kaitlyn Siedman (she/her) is a research fellow for the STEPP Lab. She graduated from Trinity College in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology and a self-designed minor in Linguistics. As a member of Trinity’s Psycholinguistics Lab, she previously researched how the presence of mirrors affects the intelligibility of speech and learned about the impact of different sensory modality alterations on speech perception and production. Kaitlyn volunteers at Camp Jabberwocky every summer, and she also has an extensive Converse collection — she’d love to talk to you about both the next time you’re in the lab :)
Mara Kapsner-Smith (she/her), Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is a research scientist for the STEPP Lab. She received her M.S. in Medical Speech-Language Pathology and her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington. She has a clinical background working as a laryngology speech-language pathologist at the University of Washington Medical Center. She has worked as a research scientist/research fellow at the National Center for Voice and Speech (University of Utah) and the Vocal Function Lab (University of Washington). Her work with the STEPP Lab includes using bio signals related to voice and speech (acoustic, electromyographic, visual/endoscopic) to measure vocal function and to detect and describe voice disorders. In her free time, Mara can be found pottering in her vegetable garden, watching/reading sci fi, or pretending she is a master chef.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Ja Young Choi (she/her), Ph.D. is a postdoctoral fellow in the STEPP Lab. Before joining the STEPP Lab, she worked in the SoundBrain Lab at Northwestern University, studying speech sound representations in the brain using pupillometry and EEG. Ja Young earned her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology from Harvard University, where she conducted research on processing talker variability in speech perception. Ja Young’s primary research interests include the interplay between speech perception and speech production, with the goal of understanding the cognitive and motor mechanisms that support fluent speech communication. Prior to her doctoral work, Ja Young earned her B.A. in Linguistics and Cognitive Science from Rice University.
Micah Hirsch (they/them), Ph.D. is a postdoctoral fellow in the STEPP Lab. Micah earned their Ph.D. in Communication Science and Disorders from Florida State University in 2024, where they conducted research on perception of dysarthric speech in the Motor Speech Disorders Lab. During their Ph.D. coursework, Micah also earned a graduate certificate in Measurement and Statistics from FSU. Micah’s primary research interests include motor speech disorders, acoustic and perceptual measurement of speech, speech and voice characteristics for transgender and nonbinary populations, and the metascience of speech science. Prior to their doctoral work, Micah also earned their M.S. in Communication Science and Disorders from FSU and their B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University.
Doctoral Research Assistants
Allison Aaron (she/her), MS, CCC-SLP, is a Ph.D. student in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Boston University. She received a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in voice at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and went on to work as a laryngology-specialized speech-language pathologist at Stony Brook University Hospital. Allison has been devoted to both the science and art of voice since earning her B.A. in Vocal Performance and Psychology at Bucknell University. Allison’s clinical and research interests include vocal motor learning, voice and gender, and vocal hyperfunction.
Daria Dragicevic (she/her) is a Ph.D. student in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Boston University. She holds a B.A. in Linguistics with a certificate in Computational Linguistics from San Diego State University. Her research focuses on articulatory imprecision in people with Parkinson’s disease, using both acoustics and kinematics. In 2022, Daria received the Rafik B. Hariri Graduate Student Fellowship for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering to advance her data-driven studies. She is also an advocate for individuals with rare, neurological diseases and enjoys participating in open water swim races and para-triathlons around New England.
Turley Duque (she/her) is a Ph.D. student in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Boston University. Turley is a McNair Scholar who received her B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of San Diego. She is interested in researching the underlying mechanisms of speech motor control. In her free time, she loves to travel this world and others through the pages of books.
Shelby Martell (she/they), M.A., CCC-SLP, is a Ph.D. Student in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Boston University. They hold a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a B.A. in Music, and a M.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining the STEPP Lab, they worked as a voice-specialized speech-language pathologist at Charlotte, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat. Their previous research in the Voice and Resonance Lab at Ohio State University examined the temporal aspect of velar movement in singing and speech. Further inspired by their work as a clinician, Shelby’s current research interests include vocal hyperfunction, irritable larynx syndrome, and the interplay between voice, respiration, and swallowing.
Daphne Toglia Lulo is originally from Miami, Florida. She completed her undergraduate studies at the New College of Florida, the state’s designated honor college, modeled after the New College of Oxford. During this time, Daphne spent a semester at the University of Oxford taking tutorials focused on neurodegenerative diseases. In 2019, she was selected as a neurological surgery summer student fellow at the University of Washington, joining the Ferreira lab to conduct research on the genetic underpinnings of intracranial aneurysms. This research laid the groundwork for her undergraduate thesis and sparked her interest in translational research. Following graduation, Daphne took three gap years to gain diverse research experiences and mentor fellow first-generation and underrepresented minorities in STEM through the Washington Opportunity Scholarship Skills That Shine Mentorship Program. The first year, she returned to the University of Washington to complete her thesis work, further contributing to the discovery of somatic PDGFRB activating variants in fusiform cerebral aneurysms. Subsequent years involved work at an immuno-incological startup and from 2022-2023 Daphne was on the Neural Dynamics Neuroanatomy Team at the Allen Institute, where she focused on optimizing the histological pipeline for mapping out thalamo-cortico-thalamic circuits in mice.
Master’s Research Assistants
Mason DeGrazia (he/him) is a student in the Speech-Language Pathology masters program at Boston University. He graduated from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN with a B.A. in Psychology Science and Gender & Sexuality, as well as with a minor in Statistics and Data Science. His clinical interests range from early intervention in speech sound disorders to voice therapy for performers. In his freetime he likes to play video games and sing in choirs.
Courtney Dunsmuir (she/her) is master’s student in the Medical Sciences program at Boston University. Prior to beginning her master’s, she was a research fellow in the STEPP Lab. She received her B.S. in Behavior & Health and a minor in Biology from Boston University in May 2024. She is a certified EMT and has previously worked at BU EMS and as an undergraduate research assistant at STEPP Lab. Courtney is excited to continue working at STEPP Lab and is interested in investigating the effects of different neurological disorders on speech and sensorimotor systems. In her free time, Courtney enjoys yoga, bird-watching, and watching movies.
Angeli Fandiño (she/her) is a master’s student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Boston University. She graduated from the University of Michigan in May 2025 with a B.A. in Linguistics and Psychology. Her clinical and research interests range from voice and resonance disorders to rehabilitation for individuals with post-traumatic brain injury. She is also very interested in contributing to the Stepp Lab’s research in gender-affirming care. In her free time, Angeli enjoys making music, playing basketball, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
Taylor Feaster (she/her) is a master’s student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Boston University. Prior to beginning her master’s, she was a research fellow in the STEPP lab. She received her B.A. in Neuroscience, with a minor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Boston University in May 2021. Taylor’s research interests include gender-affirming voice care, and the intersection between neurological disorders and speech production/perception. In her free time, Taylor enjoys playing tennis, baking, and listening to music.
Danielle Goldberg (she/her) is a master’s student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Boston University. She received her B.S. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and Linguistics at Michigan State University in May 2023. In her undergraduate career, she was a research assistant in Dr. Bridget Walsh’s Developmental Speech Lab. Danielle is interested in working within the intersections between activism and speech-language pathology. Her interests within the field of speech-language pathology include gender-affirming care and systemic barriers to access to care for marginalized communities. In her free time, Danielle loves exploring new restaurants, visiting art museums, and going to concerts. She’s excited to be a part of the STEPP Lab!
Jade Navarro (she/her) is a second-year master’s student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Boston University. She graduated from New York University in 2023 with a B.M. in Classical Vocal Performance and a minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Her areas of interest include voice, resonance, and upper respiratory disorders, gender affirming care, swallowing, and aphasia. In her free time, Jade enjoys exploring restaurants/cafés, spending time with her friends, and playing with her corgi, Cider!
Kyla Putterman (she/her) is a master’s student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Boston University. She graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Psychological Science and a minor in Education in May 2025. Her interests include performance-based voice disorders, gender-affirming care, and many other aspects of voice therapy. In her free time, Kyla enjoys singing, reading, and exercising.
Irene Yoo (she/her) is a master’s student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Boston University. She graduated from Tufts University with a B.S. in Cognitive and Brain Sciences and a B.A./M.A. in Child Study and Human Development. Her research interests are mainly the relationship between the brain and speech production as well as access to care for multilingual communities. In her free time, Irene enjoys baking banana bread (with chocolate chips, of course), spending time with friends, and photosynthesizing in the sun!
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Shreya Bhatt (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Boston University pursuing a double major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Psychology. She is passionate about the intersection of neuroscience, molecular biology, and mental health, and is particularly interested in how brain structure and function relate to speech and communication. At the STEPP Lab, she is interested in learning more about the underlying mechanisms of speech and speech related disorders. She is excited to contribute to ongoing projects and expand her experience in neuroimaging and cognitive research. Outside the lab, she enjoys crocheting, baking and going for the occasional walk (when the weather is nice).
Malaina Connors (she/her) is a undergraduate student at Boston University studying Biomedical Engineering. She is interested in the applications of engineering to healthcare. In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to music, coffee, and being with her friends.
Anastasia Haubrich (she/her) is an undergraduate student studying Neuroscience at Boston University. She is interested in studying neurodegenerative disorders, and finding new way to diagnose and treat them. Outside of school, she works as an EMT, and enjoys rock climbing, exploring Boston and spending time with her friends and family.
Tamasyn Hill (they/them) is a visiting undergraduate student from Wellesley College studying neuroscience and minoring in women’s and gender studies. They are interested in neurodegenerative and infectious diseases as well as emergency medicine. They are looking forward to gaining more unique clinical experience as they pursue a career in medicine. In their free time, Tamasyn enjoys camping, lacrosse, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Misora Ito (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Health Sciences. She is excited to obtain a unique experience in clinical research as she aspires to join the medical field. At her home town, Misora serves as a volunteer EMT. She loves painting and listening to music.
Brian Li (he/him) is an undergraduate student studying Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. He is looking forward to gaining clinical experience as he pursues a career in medicine. Outside of school he works as an EMT. In his free time, he enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Sophie Li (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Biomedical Engineering. She is passionate about finding new, innovative ways to improve healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys figure skating, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Sofia Marzullo (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Biology and minoring in Sociology on a pre-dental path. She is passionate about health related research and is looking forward to gaining clinical experience and learning more about engineering technology involved in data analysis. She is very excited to work at the STEPP Lab and gain new insight on speech disorders. In her free time, Sofia enjoys walking dogs, playing guitar, and going for runs along the Esplanade.
Fizaan Muhammad (He/Him) is an undergraduate student studying Biology on the pre-medical track at Boston University. He is interested in learning about possible treatments of neurodegenerative diseases, speech disorders and impairments in communication. In his free time he enjoys spending time with friends and family, sports, and nature.
Max Murphy (he/him) is an undergraduate at Boston University studying Neuroscience and Philosophy. He is interested in medical research and neurodegenerative disorders, and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Outside of Boston University, he works as an EMT and enjoys bouldering, skiing, cooking, and time with friends.
Rena Nurhussien is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Human Physiology with a minor in Arabic. She is particularly interested in learning more about the pathophysiology of different speech and voice disorders. She hopes to gain a comprehensive clinical research experience at the STEPP Lab. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, baking, and doodling.
Franklin Phan (he/him) is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Human Physiology with a minor in music. He is interested in exploring medical research and hopes to have a career in healthcare one day. Outside of medicine, Franklin enjoys playing music, cooking, and playing the Pokémon trading card game.
Sanya Saurabh (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Biomedical Engineering, concentrating in Technology Innovation. She is a published author and an avid reader. She is interested in learning about clinical research and computational biology. In her free time, Sanya enjoys singing, watching shows, or drinking coffee!
Hetavii Shah (she/her) is an undergraduate student studying Biology (CMG) and Psychology at Boston University. She is interested in learning about possible treatments of neurodegenerative diseases, speech disorders and impairments in communication, also exploring the molecular aspects. In her free time she enjoys graphic design and dance, and exploring new restaurants around Boston with friends.
Kylie Sieradzki (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Biomedical Engineering. She is interested in neurodegenerative diseases and their connection to speech disorders. She is enthusiastic about participating in research that aims to advance healthcare and improve patient outcomes. She is thrilled to be part of the STEPP Lab and to contribute to innovative projects at the intersection of neuroscience and engineering. In her free time, she enjoys running, Solidcore, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Natalia Wojtala (she/her) is an undergraduate student studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Passionate about improving an individual’s ability to communicate effectively, Natalia hopes to gain a deeper understanding of technology that assists in the advancement of treatments relating to speech and hearing disorders. In her free time, Natalia loves weightlifting, cooking, shopping, and movie nights with her closest friends.
Andrew Wrede (he/him) is an undergraduate at Boston University studying biology with a minor in public health. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, and volunteering as an EMT.
Clinical Recruitment Assistants
Susana Cao (she/her) is an undergraduate student at Boston University majoring in Biology with a specialization in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics, alongside a minor in Business Administration. She is passionate about understanding the function of the larynx and throat to develop treatments for individuals who struggle with sound pronunciation, face challenges hitting the right notes while singing, or have experienced throat-related issues. Susana is exploring both the pre-health and Ph.D. tracks. In her free time, she enjoys learning new languages, singing, and dancing.
Varshini Sudhakar (she/her) is an undergraduate student studying Human Physiology with a minor in Public Health. Varshini is interested in learning about neurodegenerative diseases and voice disorders and hopes to be a physician in the future. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing the Veena, and dancing.