People

Kimberly Mueller (Ph.D., CCC-SLP) — Dr. Mueller’s research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms and behavioral aspects of speech and language changes across the spectrum of normal aging, preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI),  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia, and other forms of dementia. Her work utilizes naturalistic speech-language samples as one means of analyzing and understanding subtle changes to communication. Dr. Mueller is also interested in the design and testing of identification methods of early cognitive change in the presence of AD biomarkers, and multimodal therapeutic interventions to address cognitive-communication difficulties in MCI and dementia due to neurodegenerative disease.

Leah Sanson-Miles — Leah earned her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Edgewood College. Prior to joining CCANDL as Lab Manager, she worked as a study coordinator for the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center for nearly 6 years. During that time, she focused primarily on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and early detection of AD related biomarkers. Leah is interested in understanding changes to communication and how they relate to AD biomarkers, and the development of potential therapeutic interventions in those living with MCI and dementia.

Carol Van ​Hulle — Carol earned her graduate degree in psychology with an emphasis on quantitative genetics from the University of Colorado. Dr. Van Hulle has been at UW for over 10 years and currently serves as a biostatistician with Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. She is interested in how speech and communication relate to markers of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

Kristin Basche — Kristin earned her MPH concentrated in Biostatistics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She currently serves as a biostatistician with the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Kristin is interested in understanding how changes in speech and communication relate to Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers.

Madeline Hale — Madeline received her bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, double majoring in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology and Neuroscience. She is currently a student in the MS/PhD program in Speech-Language Pathology at UW-Madison. Madeline is interested in studying the cognitive-communication changes that result from neurodegenerative disease, specifically in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) dementia. She is especially interested in investigating measures of fluency as a possible early detection tool for subtle cognitive changes along the disease spectrum and their relation to AD biomarkers.

Hayley Olson —Hayley received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas in Neuroscience with a minor in Linguistics in 2020. She is currently a student in the Ph.D. program in Communication Sciences & Disorders at UW-Madison. Hayley is interested in studying testing measures of language in persons with Aphasia and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), neuroimaging to understand language organization in the brain, and fluency as it pertains to early detection of AD. She is also interested in increasing access to research in underrepresented groups and diversifying AD research.

Marissa Todd — Marissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). She is starting her second in the MS/PhD program for Speech-Language Pathology at UW-Madison. Marissa is interested in cognitive changes within speech, language, and swallowing in persons with neurodegenerative diseases, specifically dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. She hopes to complete her clinical degree in speech-language pathology and then pursue an academic career in CSD to aid in the development of caregiver resources and prevention in neurodegenerative diseases.

Frances Violante — Frances graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Education and Educational Services. She is a second-year graduate student at UW-Madison working towards a clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology.  Her interests include early identification of Alzheimer’s disease and increasing diversity among Alzheimer’s disease research participants. She is excited to be involved with CCANDL and looks forward to working with Dr. Mueller and the CCANDL team members.

Erin Bruehlman — Erin received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and received a certificate in Education and Educational Services. She is a second-year graduate student at UW-Madison working towards a clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology. She hopes to work with adult populations in a medical setting after graduation. During her time as an undergraduate with CCANDL, she completed a senior honors thesis that focused on the potential relationship between sleep, Alzheimer’s Disease biomarkers, and speech-language performance. She has a passion for the environment as well and acquired a Green Lab Certification for CCANDL by enacting sustainability measures across the lab. She also aided in acquiring a sustainability grant for Goodnight Hall. Erin is thrilled to be part of the CCANDL team!

Claire Terp — Claire received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and received a certificate in Disability Rights and Services. She is a second-year graduate student at UW-Madison working towards a clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology.  In lab, Claire works on transcribing speech samples, entering data for various projects, and updating the lab’s social media accounts. Claire is very excited to be involved with CCANDL and is excited to continue learning from Dr. Mueller and other lab members.

Camryn Streid — Camryn earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati in Speech-Language Hearing Sciences (SLHS). She is currently in her second year at UW-Madison working towards her clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology. She is interested in working with people with neurogenic disorders and understanding how to best support these individuals while enhancing their participation in life. She is also interested in understanding language and communication changes that occur with neurodegenerative disorders.

Olivia Goulette — Olivia earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and earned certificates in Education and Educational Services and Disability Rights and Services. She is currently a first-year graduate student at UW-Madison working towards a clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology. After completing her graduate studies, she plans on working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a hospital or school setting. Olivia is interested in disorders and injuries to the brain that affect communication and memory. She is grateful to be involved with CCANDL and looks forward to learning from Dr. Mueller and the other CCANDL team members.

Alayna Miller — Alayna is a fourth year undergraduate student studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Education Policy. She plans to attend graduate school to become a Speech-Language Pathologist in hopes of working with disabled individuals, whether that be in a hospital or a research-based setting. She’s thrilled to be joining CCANDL’s team and is excited to learn!

Douglas Cowman — Douglas is an undergraduate student at UW-Madison completing his B.S. in Neurobiology. He intends to pursue a MS in Computational Neuroscience, and has interests in neurodegenerative diseases and neural architecture. He is very excited to be involved in CCANDL to learn more about the intersections of communication and neurogenic disorders.

Caitlyn Miller — Caitlyn is a third-year undergraduate student studying neurobiology and psychology. She plans to attend Medical School after graduation and is open to any specialty. She is excited to be involved with the CCANDL Lab, Dr. Mueller, and the other lab members!

Caroline Downey — Caroline is a third-year undergraduate student studying Communication Sciences and Disorders and Linguistics with a certificate in Disability Rights and Services.  She plans to attend graduate school for Speech Language Pathology and would like to work with adults, particularly those affected by strokes, Dementia, and other related disorders.  She is excited to be part of CCANDL and learn more about neurogenic disorders!

Lauren Collins — Lauren is a second-year undergraduate student studying Communication Sciences & Disorders and Linguistics with a certificate in Disability Rights and Services. She plans to attend graduate school to pursue a degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She is thrilled to be joining CCANDL and cannot wait to learn more from Dr. Mueller and the rest of the team.