Benjamin Parrell
Position title: Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Email: bparrell@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 263-8861
Department:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Education:
M.A. in Linguistics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Postdoctoral in Psychology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
Research Description:
My research focuses on the neurobiological and computational bases of speech motor control. This research involves behavioral studies examining the use of auditory, somatosensory, and visual feedback for speech and limb motor control and learning with neurobiologically healthy individuals. We additionally conduct similar studies on individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia to 1) better understand the function of the cerebellum in unimpaired speech motor control circuits and 2) establish a relationship between this function and the specific movement impairments seen in this population. I complement this work with computational modelling of motor control systems to generate, evaluate, and test hypothesis about the mechanisms of control in speech that are difficult or impossible to test directly.
Research Focus:
Motor Control and Learning, Speech Production, Cerebellar Function, Motor Speech Disorders
Diversity Statement:
On the personal level, I believe that a supportive and inclusive environment is critical to the both the success of trainees and their wellbeing. To that end, our lab has developed a set of core values and associated action items that guide our team.