The overarching goal of research in our group is to understand variability in speech intelligibility, with the ultimate goal of developing speech intelligibility enhancement techniques. We are particularly interested in speech as a medium of communication that operates exactly at the interface of the mental and the physical worlds. Accordingly, our experimental approach focuses simultaneously on lower-level, signal-related factors (the “physical world”) and higher-level, cognitive-linguistic factors (the “mental world”). Our current research activities are organized around three main themes, each of which includes several sub-projects which serve to both develop and connect the main themes.

· Production and Perception of Clear Speech

Variability in speech intelligibility when talkers adopt a listener-oriented, hyper-articulated speech style

· Speech Communication in a Global Context

Variability in speech intelligibility when talkers and listeners may not share a “mother tongue”

· Speech Perception in Noise

Variability in speech intelligibility when important features of the signal are masked by background noise

Prospective Undergraduate Research Assistants

If you are interested in applying for an RA position or in getting involved in our research for an independent study, please submit an application by email to Ann Bradlow (abradlow@northwestern.edu)

Prospective Postdoctoral Researchers

Postdoc positions occasionally become available.

For information, please email Ann Bradlow (abradlow@northwestern.edu)..