My name is Shabnam Alizadeh Incheh and I am a Ph.D. student under the supervision of Dr. Adrián Gracia-Sierra. My research broadly focuses on the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying bilingual language processing. Specifically, I investigate how cross-linguistic interference affects speech perception, sentence processing, and language control. Our ongoing project employs Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) to examine how heritage Spanish bilinguals navigate competing grammatical structures and phonetic cues in real-time. By analyzing the interaction between phonetic production and grammatical processing, my work aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of bilingual cognition and the dynamic nature of linguistic representation.

My name is Sarah Gallagher and I am a junior majoring in SLHS with a psychology minor. My career goals are very fluid as I extend my experience in both the field of Speech Pathology and Audiology. The SPLD lab has provided me with unique research experience related to language perception and development through a bilingual lens that have applied to my education while here at UConn. I am a member of the NSSLHA club, the Vice President of Club Field Hockey, and volunteer at the Mansfield Senior Center weekly.

Hi! My name is Michelle Zhu and I am a senior Secondary Mathematics Education and Pure Mathematics dual degree. I am particularly interested in exploring multilingualism and supporting bilingual learners in the classroom. In fact, I am currently student teaching on an all ELL team. My career goal is to work in an ELL classroom, as well as pursue a PhD to further study and understand multilingualism. I am currently an Honors student, a University Scholar, and a member of the Outing Club, German Club, and UConn Future Educators. This is my second semester working in the lab and I am very excited to work with the other lab members and see the research progress!

• UConn University Scholar
• IBACS Undergraduate Research Supply Award Recipient
• IDEA Grant Recipient

Hi! My name is Isabella Piskator, and I am a senior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. I joined the SPLD Lab in Fall 2025 and am excited to gain hands-on research experience. I have especially enjoyed learning through EEG training and expanding my knowledge of speech perception research. My future goal is to pursue a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, with a particular interest in working with children or individuals with neurogenic communication disorders. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, reading, and exploring new opportunities.

Hello! My name is Vladimir Yaroslavovich Klyukin, and I am a junior Speech Language and Hearing Sciences major with a Biology minor. I am still undecided between SLP and Audiology as a final career but am excited for the opportunity and experience working in this lab will bring. I am heavily involved on campus, working both in the UConn Climbing Center and as a Resident Assistant in North campus. I also hold an Eboard position on the UConn Woodsmen team as the equipment manager in addition to competing. I’m interested in the underlying mechanisms of language processing and production and I am very excited to work with the rest of the team.

My name is Julia Majenski, and I am a senior double majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Human Development and Family Sciences. I am an active member of NSSLHA and Alpha Chi Omega, and I plan to begin a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in Fall 2026. I am especially interested in pediatrics, while also looking forward to exploring a variety of clinical settings. Through my involvement in the SPLD Lab, I am gaining exposure to research on how bilinguals process speech and look forward to applying this perspective in my future clinical training.

My name is Molly Rourke, and I am a senior double-majoring in Spanish and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minoring in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. Upon graduating in Spring 2026, I plan to continue my studies abroad with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy. My clinical interests include bilingualism, cleft lip and palate studies, and dialectology. I joined the SLPD lab in Fall 2023 and have had some great experiences working with various programs and research mediums. On campus, I am involved in UConn Model United Nations, UConn Fencing, and ASL club. I am very excited to continue my research with this lab!