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 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 Research Program 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.

Matt Froze — Matt earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UW-Madison. Before coming to CCANDL, he worked for Rogers Behavioral Health, assisting clients to ameliorate their mental health symptoms. He also recruited research participants and administered cognitive batteries as a Clinical Research Coordinator for the MIDUS project at UW. He is excited to contribute to the CCANDL team and learn more about potential therapeutic interventions for those afflicted with MCI and dementia.

Deling He — Deling is a postdoctoral researcher in the lab who recently earned her Ph.D. degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Memphis. She is passionate about incorporating multidisciplinary research to understand the sensory-motor neurocognitive processing of speech (e.g., neural oscillations, speech rhythms, semantic memory). Currently, she is focusing on the early acoustic speech changes of natural spoken language for the risks of Alzheimer’s disease as well as the underlying neuropathological and cognitive mechanisms. She is also interested in fostering open-access research and promoting diversity and inclusion in the academic community.

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.

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 second-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.

Ella Farley — Ella earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where she majored in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, and minored in Neuroscience and Leadership. She is currently a second-year graduate student at UW-Madison working towards a clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology. She is interested in working with people with neurodegenerative and neurogenic disorders in a medical setting. She is excited to be involved with the CCANDL Lab and learning from Dr. Mueller and other lab members.

Isabelle Poulack — Isabelle earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where she double majored in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Psychology. She is currently a second-year graduate student at UW-Madison working towards a clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology. She would like to work with people affected by stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases. Isabelle is excited and grateful to be a part of the CCANDL lab!

Pajnra Xiong — Pajnra earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Neurobiology and Communication Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Asian American Studies with Hmong emphasis.  She is currently a first-year graduate student at UW-Madison and working towards a clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology.  She is open to exploring all specialties and working with all age groups.  She is delighted to be a part of the CCANDL Lab and to learn from all of the lab members!

Sanjeetha Verhonica Stephen Raj — Sanjeetha Verhonica earned her Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-language pathology from the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, India. She is currently a year-first graduate student at UW-Madison working towards a clinical MS in Speech-Language Pathology. She is interested in working with people with Voice, Swallowing, and Cognitive disorders in a medical setting. She is excited to be involved with the CCANDL Lab and learn from Dr. Mueller and other lab members.

Caitlyn Miller — Caitlyn is a fourth-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 fourth-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!

Lily Leicht — Lily is a third-year undergraduate student studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with certificates in Disability Rights and Services and Promoting Activity for Diverse Abilities. She plans to attend graduate school for Speech-Language Pathology and is grateful to have the opportunity in undergrad to explore her populations of interest, including working with individuals with autism, strokes, TBIs, and dementia. Lily is so happy and grateful to be a part of the CCANDL team!

Hannah Dassow — Hannah is a third-year undergraduate student studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with certificates in Disability Rights and Services and Promoting Activity for Diverse Abilities. Hannah plans to attend graduate school and become a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. She is so excited to be a part of the CCANDL lab and learn from this incredible team!

Anna Johnson — Anna is a third-year undergraduate student studying Communication Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Global Health. She plans to attend graduate school for Speech-Language Pathology or Public Health to help ensure people have access to speech pathologists!  She is grateful to further her education about dementia and the health impacts through CCANDL and can’t wait to learn from and grow with this welcoming team!

Anikka Baker — Anikka is a first-year undergraduate studying neurobiology. She plans to attend graduate school for pharmacy and research pharmaceutical treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. She is excited to learn more about neurogenic disorders as a part of the CCANDL team!