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Tijana Simc
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Tijana Simic, PhD, MHSc SLP
Lab Director 

Assistant Professor, Department of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Faculty Member, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute Affiliate Scientist, UHN-KITE Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

Dr. Simic is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Faculty Member in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, and the director of the Language Rehabilitation and Cognition (LaRC) lab. She obtained her PhD in 2019 from the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute in Toronto, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre de Recherche de l’Institut de Gériatrie de Montréal, affiliated with the Université de Montréal. She also holds a Master of Health Science (SLP) and is a registered speech-language pathologist.

My current research interest lies in understanding the behavioural and neurological predictors of recovery in individuals with language deficits due to acquired neurological damage (e.g., post-stroke aphasia). Despite the overall efficacy of language intervention for these populations, recovery patterns can vary substantially: individuals with similar impairment profiles at baseline can show different patterns of recovery even after receiving the same treatment. One of my long-term research goals is to develop a “theory of therapy” which can address this knowledge gap through detailed investigations of the active elements of language therapy. My research to date has focused on how principles of learning and neuroplasticity may be harnessed to improve treatment outcomes, as well as the role of executive control (EC) in language processing. The goal of this line of work is to develop clinical decision-making trees, which would allow for individualized treatment protocols that would enable persons with communication disorders to achieve their maximum potential for language recovery.

Rudra Patel
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Rudra Patel, MD
Research Assistant

Rudra has been working at UofT Department of Speech-Language Pathology for the past 5 years, first beginning at the Rochon Lab where she met Dr. Simic. She has contributed to various studies that assess speech patterns and the efficacy of speech therapy in people with neurological disorders such as strokes, primary progressive aphasia, and long-COVID. At the LaRC lab, Rudra is primarily responsible for ethics applications, data management, and the oversight of many ongoing studies.

 

Rudra obtained her Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Neuroscience and a major in Physiology at the University of Toronto in 2021. She recently obtained a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Calgary in 2024. Rudra is excited to join the Neurology Residency Program at the University of Calgary where she hopes to expand her understanding of the intricate workings of the human brain and its complex relationship with neurological disorders. Rudra is highly interested in academic medicine and hopes to integrate research into her future clinical practice.

Alayna Jang
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Alayna Jang
Research Assistant

Alayna is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto. Her interest in Speech-Language Pathology began to grow after being introduced to post-stroke adults and aphasia. Within the lab, her main roles comprise of data collection and analysis, taking on various digital initiatives, and designing the lab website.

With pursuing her interdisciplinary study of Cognitive Science, Sociology, and Education, she has become more curious about how the mind works; whether it be consciousness, how it organizes ideas and concepts, or the contrast of characteristics (i.e., being powerful on one hand, and cheap and lazy on the other hand). More recently, she is keen on exploring digital spaces (e.g., websites, virtual reality, social media) and how it can become a more accessible experience. Outside of academics, she is passionate about creative processes, such as photography, songwriting, and crochet. 

Erin Kim
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Erin Kim, MHSc SLP
Research Assistant

Erin is a recent graduate of the SLP program at the University of Toronto. After having worked alongside individuals living with aphasia throughout her studies, she aims to continue supporting this population through both research and clinical practice. 

 

Post-stroke aphasia, traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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Erica Eng
Research Assistant

Erica is a graduate student in the MSc(A) Speech-Language Pathology program at McGill University. She became interested in aphasia and post-stroke recovery through coursework and volunteering with the March of Dimes. With a Bachelor’s of Science in Computational Cognitive Science and Linguistics from the University of Toronto, she is also passionate about applying AI solutions to speech and language disorders.

In her free time, Erica loves being active, reading, singing and exploring art museums. 

Erica Eng
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Madeleine Coppolino
Research Assistant

Madeleine is a graduate student in the MHSc Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of Toronto. She completed both a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph. She clearly loves to learn and explore new research fields, including furthering our current knowledge on communication disorders. 

 

In her free time she enjoys running, baking, relaxing and exploring the city! 

Madeleine Coppolino
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Melissa Sgambelluri
Research Assistant

Melissa is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, majoring in Health & Disease and pursuing a double minor in Physiology and Immunology. Her academic journey has been enriched by coursework in neurobiology and linguistics, igniting her fascination with communication disorders. Since, Melissa has devoted her time to volunteering with the Aphasia Institute and March of Dimes Canada to support individuals with aphasia. Her academic background, combined with this hands-on experience, has fueled Melissa's eagerness to contribute to the exciting research at the LaRC Lab. Outside the world of speech and language, Melissa spends her time tutoring science and math subjects to elementary and high school students.

She enjoys continuously learning, nature walks, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Melissa Sgambelluri
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Kiruththika Pushpalingam 
Research Assistant

Kiruththika is a graduate student in the MHSc Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of Toronto. She completed a specialist in Psycholinguistics at the University of Toronto. She developed an interest in aphasia while volunteering with March of Dime Canada, where she supported adults with aphasia. Kiruththika is eager to further expand her knowledge and contribute to our growing understanding of communication disorders during her time at the LaRC Lab.

 

In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, swimming or listening to music!

Kiruththika Pushpalingam
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Aaron Vincent
Research Assistant

Aaron is a versatile, communication-focused individual with a distinctive professional background. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, majoring in Neuroscience and Cell & Molecular Biology with a minor in Immunology. Following graduation, he ventured into the world of corporate finance for several years, where he developed strong leadership and project management skills. His expertise in quantitative data analysis and reporting earned him several personal and team awards for his performance, collaboration, leadership and accountability.
 

Transitioning from finance to pursue his interests in cognitive neuroscience and language processing, Aaron developed a passion for Speech-Language Pathology and has since dedicated himself to supporting individuals with speech and language disorders. As an active volunteer at the Aphasia Institute with over 250 hours of experience, Aaron works with licensed Speech-Language Pathologists to help facilitate several community programs aimed at reducing communication barriers for people with aphasia. He has also contributed to the development and maintenance of an online pictographic database (Participics) that is widely used in aphasia-friendly resources to support conversations. Additionally, he volunteers as a tutor for the On Your Mark tutoring program, helping at-risk students in the Toronto District School Board in overcoming academic challenges.
 

Driven by his passion for communication and a dedication to improving lives, Aaron leverages his diverse experiences to support the research goals of the LaRC Lab, blending his data management expertise with a heartfelt commitment to community support.

 

In his spare time, Aaron enjoys all forms of comedy, listening to music, working out, playing board games and having long conversations about anything and everything.

Aaron Vincent
Katerina Simantirakis
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Katerina Simantirakis
Research Assistant

Katerina is a second-year graduate student in the MHSc Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of Toronto. Prior to starting her graduate degree, Katerina was a student in the Arts and Science Program at McMaster University and majored in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour. Her interest in aphasia was sparked in undergrad while volunteering with March of Dimes Canada to support adults with aphasia. Katerina is thrilled to be a part of the LaRC and to help contribute to our growing understanding of communication disorders.

Academic interests include dysphagia, alternative and augmentative communication, and post-stroke aphasia. Outside of the classroom, Katerina enjoys running, cooking, and watching movies.

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Ramsha Babar
Research Assistant

Ramsha is a second-year graduate student in the MHSc Speech-Language Pathology program at the University of Toronto. The time she has spent volunteering at the Aphasia Institute inspired her to pursue a career supporting individuals with swallowing and communication difficulties. Ramsha brings with her a broad range of experiences working with stroke patients and their families across various stages of rehabilitation. Passionate about communicative access, she aims to work with this population upon graduation.

 

Having obtained an honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, Ramsha’s research interests lie within cognitive neuropsychology and post-stroke aphasia. At LaRC Lab, she is eager to contribute to the current knowledge base on communication disorders and research investigating predictors of post-stroke recovery. In her free time, you’ll often find her engrossed in a fantasy novel, exploring the city with friends, journaling, or listening to music.

Ramsha Babar
LaRC Lab 2024
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