I-EaT Swallowing Laboratory

📢 Now Recruiting in Illinois at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign of Speech and Hearing Science at Illinois! 📢

We’re excited to announce that our NIH-funded randomized controlled trial (RCT) has expanded to two active sites: Indiana and Illinois! Recruitment is now underway in the Champaign-Urbana area. of Applied Health Sciences at Illinois

Do you have Parkinson’s disease or a history of stroke?

We are seeking adults with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) to participate in a research study evaluating a treatment designed to improve swallowing function.

This study will examine whether swallowing therapy using a wearable biofeedback device is as effective as therapy without the device. Participants may receive treatment either: ✅ In person at our clinic, or
✅ Via telehealth (video visits)

You may be eligible if you:

🔹 Are 50–90 years old
🔹 Have had a stroke or have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by a physician
🔹 Are not currently receiving swallowing or speech therapy

Participants may receive:

✔️ Up to $140 for completing the study
✔️ Free swallowing evaluations and treatment over a 6-month period
✔️ The opportunity to contribute to research that may improve swallowing care for others

📍 In-person study visits:
Speech and Hearing Science Building
901 South 6th Street
Champaign, IL

📧 Interested in learning more?
Contact us at [email protected] or 217-265-7561 to determine eligibility and receive additional information.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with anyone who may be interested!

I-EaT Swallowing Laboratory Imaging, Evaluation, & Treatment of Swallowing Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

We have been very busy establishing our new I-EaT lab at the University of Illinois, and continuing our NIH-funded research at both Illinois and Purdue, but we still found time for a very important event: the Dysphagia Research Society Dash for Dysphagia - to support critical research and new investigators! This year we teamed up with the Neuro and Swallowing Research Lab led by Dr Mariana Mendes Bahia and dashed in two states and in Japan! Thankful to everyone who donated for our team and for advancing swallowing science 👏

Proud of this work led by former doctoral student of our lab and now Assistant Professor at Butler University, Dr. Rachel Arkenberg! Thank you The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for highlighting Rachel’s dissertation research 👏

Understanding feeding development is crucial to managing pediatric feeding disorder (PFD).

Read about a method for observing infants’ feeding skills at home to identify predictors of PFD: https://at.asha.org/13r

🎉 New Research from the I-EaT Lab!
Closing the year with a clinical education study publication!

Can computer-based simulation improve dysphagia training for SLP graduate students? Our latest study says YES - with significant gains in confidence and clinical decision-making.
This hybrid approach combines technology with real-life actors to create a powerful learning experience.
💡 Next step: Expand and refine these methods to shape the future of dysphagia education!

This study was led by former MS student Jennine Bryan and Jaime Bauer Malandraki in collaboration with co-authors Dawn Wetzel, Allison Schaser, and Bruce A. Craig, and with the guidance of our PI, Dr. Malandraki
Read the full article here: https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/tlcsd/vol9/iss3/2/

👉 Swipe through to see what we found!

In 2025 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association celebrated 100 years & the ASHA leader magazine asked experts in the field - including our own Dr. Malandraki - 'Where are we headed next?" Enjoy some of the highlights of her vision.

We are entering a bold new era in dysphagia management, where AI, big data, robotics, and genetic profiling are set to transform how we identify, assess, and treat swallowing disorders.

• Wearable sensors + AI = early dysphagia detection is coming sooner than we think
• Genetic & biometric profiling = precision diagnostics will be possible
• Computer vision + machine learning = faster, more objective VFSS/FEES analysis
• Robotic + 3D diagnostics = immersive views of swallowing in action
• Multimodal tools = bridging behavior, muscle activity, and brain data
• Neurostimulation, implantables & stem cell therapies = rethinking treatment from the inside out

But there is a word of caution: As exciting as AI and tech are in dysphagia care, they are only as strong as the data and the people behind them.
Researchers, clinicians, and organizations all share the responsibility to ensure tech supports safe, equitable care.



Read the full article here: https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1g.30092025.health-care-slp-dysphagia-management.32/full/

🎄✨ Happy Holidays from the I-EaT Lab! ✨🎄
As we wrap up 2025, we want to extend our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a bright new year to all our friends, collaborators, and research participants.

This past year has been both challenging and incredibly productive, and we are deeply grateful to our amazing team members for their hard work and dedication, to our collaborators for their support, and to the participants who make our research possible.

We are excited for what’s ahead - including our big move to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2026! The I-EaT Lab is ready for this next chapter, and we look forward to continuing our mission to advance swallowing science and neurorehabilitation, and improve patients' lives!

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to an inspiring and impactful year ahead! 🌟

Today is World Swallowing Day! 💙
World Swallowing Day raises awareness about the importance of swallowing health and the millions of people worldwide who experience swallowing disorders (dysphagia) each year.

Our lab is committed to advancing swallowing science through research, innovation, and clinical education. We aim to better understand swallowing physiology, improve diagnostic tools, and develop more effective treatments for people with dysphagia.

We are currently recruiting participants with dysphagia for two of our studies: 1) a swallowing treatment study that uses biofeedback, and 2) an MRI study to help us develop a new tool to diagnose swallowing problems early and support better treatment planning! Please see the next slides/photos for more information and to know how to contact us.

To participate or ask questions, please contact us at Imaging, Evaluation, & Treatment of Swallowing Laboratory at [email protected] or (765) 496-0207

Recently, we celebrated the birthday of one of our amazing undergraduate research assistants, Julia ! 🎉
Thank you for your hard work, curiosity, and dedication to the team. We’re so grateful for everything you bring to the lab — hope your birthday was wonderful! ✨🔬