Thea Knowles

An advocate for integrating knowledge on motor speech disorders and speech disorders secondary to Parkinson's disease, Dr. Thea Knowles serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University. Her expertise lies in the intricate study of motor speech disorders, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson's disease, where she seeks to unravel the complexities of speech impairments. Dr. Knowles's research is centered around the acoustic-phonetic characteristics of dysarthria, a condition that affects speech intelligibility. She is dedicated to understanding the relationship between acoustic changes and how they impact the clarity of speech. Her work is pivotal in developing strategies to enhance speech intelligibility, thereby improving communication for individuals with motor speech disorders. In addition to her research on acoustic characteristics, Dr. Knowles is deeply invested in exploring the role of technology in speech treatment and measurement. She is at the forefront of developing innovative technological solutions that aid in the assessment and treatment of speech disorders, making significant contributions to the field of communicative sciences. Dr. Knowles is also interested in the effects of various speech contexts and the listener's effort in understanding speech, particularly in challenging environments such as when face masks are worn. Her comprehensive approach to research not only advances academic understanding but also has practical implications for improving the quality of life for individuals with speech disorders. Through her work, Dr. Knowles continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in communicative sciences, fostering a deeper understanding of speech disorders and their treatment.