May 05, 2026 | Ethan Simmons Virtual reality helps “bridge the gap” between lab environments and the real world At the Speech Accommodation to Acoustics Lab, researchers are trying to solve a common problem for teachers and vocal performers. How can they be heard and understood without straining their voices? Pasquale Bottalico, associate professor of […]
Category: Speech and Hearing Science
Champaign-Urbana celebrates ‘World Voice Day’
April 15, 2026 | Ethan Simmons Faculty members in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science brought “World Voice Day” to both cities and the University of Illinois. Our vocal folds are roughly the length of our thumbnail, and yet they enable us to speak, sing, laugh and share our favorite stories. On April 16, […]
A message to Speech and Hearing Science, from Department Head Georgia Malandraki
Feb 02, 2026 | AHS Staff “I welcome perspectives from everyone (…) because the future we create together will be stronger for it.“ Dear Speech and Hearing Science community, It is with pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I begin my role as Head of the Department of Speech and Hearing Science. Returning […]
SHS researchers patent method to extract speech from noise using high frequencies
Dec. 18, 2025 | Ethan Simmons Extended high frequencies, above 8 kHz, can make speech more intelligible in noisy environments. When we speak, the air moving through our vocal cords generates soundwaves vibrating at different frequencies: the higher the frequency, the higher the pitch. Most of our modern audio technology, including hearing aids, headphones, and […]
Illinois Speech and Hearing Science at ASHA 2025
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) held the 2025 ASHA Convention from Nov. 20–22 in Washington, D.C. Our Department of Speech and Hearing Science at Illinois was well-represented: several SHS faculty and graduate students were in attendance to accept awards and present seminars on their research and teaching contributions. SHS faculty and students’ ASHA Awards […]
Meet Jerri and Lesli, our newest American Sign Language instructors
Oct. 16, 2025 | Ethan Simmons New Speech and Hearing Science instructors Lesli Williams and Jerri Seremeth are both “native signers”—they grew up learning American Sign Language as their first language and primary mode of communication. They joined the Department of Speech and Hearing Science this fall, and teach classes remotely. Which classes are you […]
Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) Program Phasedown
Oct. 16, 2025 | Department of Speech and Hearing Science On July 17, 2025, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved the decision to phase down the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) Program. Please read further to understand our decision and our continued commitment to hearing education and clinical services. Our History in Audiology Training […]
Illinois researcher earns NIH subaward to advance cochlear implant technology
Oct. 27, 2025 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo New grant advances cochlear implant noise reduction Justin Aronoff, an associate professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has received a subaward on a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National […]
Health study involves adults with Down syndrome ‘every step of the way’
Oct. 15, 2025 | Ethan Simmons NIH-funded study will develop community resources to support well-being of adults with Down syndrome The transition to adulthood can be a challenging phase for people with Down syndrome, as resources built to support them in their youth and in school begin to dry up. Marie Moore Channell, associate professor […]
Message from the interim department head
Oct. 21, 2025 | Amy Woods Dear Alumni and Friends, It is my pleasure to share with you the latest edition of our fall 2025 Speech and Hearing Science newsletter, which highlights the exciting work happening in our department. Even during a time of transition, our faculty, students, and staff continue to lead with innovation, […]