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Ellyn Riley

Ellyn Riley

Ellyn Riley

Associate Professor

CONTACT

Communication Sciences and Disorders
Suite 1200, 621 Skytop
Email: earil100@syr.edu
Office: 315.443.9621

Degrees

  • Northwestern University, Ph.D., Communication Sciences Disorders, 2011
  • Northwestern University, M.A., Speech-Language Pathology, 2009
  • University of New Mexico, B.S., Biology, 2004

Social/Academic Links

Courses Taught

CSD 726 Neurogenic Communication Disorders I

CSD 409/609 Cognitive Neuroscience of Speech and Language

CSD 345/645 Speech Science

Research and Teaching Interests

Acquired speech and language disorders, improving treatment outcomes for persons with aphasia, the role of fatigue in stroke recovery, neuromodulation as a tool to enhance speech and language therapy. For a complete listing of Dr. Riley's research go to her Laboratory Website.

Research Spotlight

Dr. Riley’s research lab focuses on improving treatments for aphasia, a language disorder primarily caused by stroke. In the Aphasia Lab, we use behavioral and physiological measures, applied linguistic theory, and neuromodulation techniques to study language and cognitive factors, changes in neurophysiology, and communicative barriers that can influence recovery for persons with aphasia. Our goal is to improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for persons with aphasia and their families.

Career

  • Associate Professor, Syracuse University, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, 2020-present
  • Assistant Research Professor, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Department of Neurology, 2016-present
  • Assistant Professor, Syracuse University, Department of Communications Sciences & Disorders, 2014-2020
  • Assistant Professor, Bowling Green State University, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, 2012-2014
  • Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Northwestern University, Aphasia & Neurolinguistics Research Laboratory, 2011-2012

Selected Publications

Riley, E.A., Hart, E., Preston, J.L., Wu, Y., and Ashaie, S. (2021). Pervasiveness of speech-language disorders and fatigue in stroke: A systematic scoping review. Journal of Communication Disorders, 93. doi: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2021.106145

Brookshire, C.E., Kendall, D. & Riley, E.A. (2021). Written language comprehension and acquired reading disorders. In Papathanassiou, Coppens, & Potagas (Eds.), Aphasia and Related Neurogenic Communication Disorders, 3rd Ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.

Riley, E. A. & Owora, A. (2020). Relationship between physiologically measured attention and behavioral task engagement in persons with chronic aphasia. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 63(5), 1430-1445. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_JSLHR-19-00016

Riley, E. A., Owora, A., McCleary, J. & Anderson, A. (2019). Sleepiness, exertion fatigue, arousal, and vigilant attention in persons with chronic aphasia. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 28(4) 1491-1508. https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_AJSLP-18-0301

Wilmskoetter, J., Del Gaizo, J., Phillip, L., Behroozmand, R., Gleichgerrcht, E., Fridriksson, J., Riley, E. & Bonilha, L. (2019). Predicting naming responses based on pre-articulatory electrical activity in individuals with aphasia. Clin Neurophysiol, 130(11), 2153-2163. doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2019.08.011

Riley, E. A. & Wu, Y. (2019). Artificial grammar learning with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): A pilot study. Brain Stimul, 12(5),1307-1308. DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.07.002

Riley, E.A., Barbieri, E., Weintraub, S., Mesulam, M.M, & Thompson, C.K. (2018). Semantic typicality effects in Primary Progressive Aphasia. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. doi: 10.1177/1533317518762443

Riley, E.A. & McFarland, D.J. (2017). EEG error prediction as a solution for combining the advantages of retrieval practice and errorless learning. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 11:140. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00140

Riley, E.A. (2016). Patient fatigue in aphasia treatment: A survey of speech-language pathologists. Communication Disorders Quarterly. doi:10.1177/1525740116656330

News

Syracuse University’s Aphasia Research Lab Seeks Participants for Stroke Treatment Study

(May 15, 2023)

The lab is testing a cutting-edge method of brain stimulation to boost speech and language therapy.

New CSD Study Uses Electrical Brain Stimulation to Help Treat Stroke Patients with Aphasia

(July 27, 2021)

CSD researchers are currently recruiting stroke patients who have experienced speech and language difficulties.

Professor Examines Link Between Sleep, Aphasia Recovery

(Sept. 28, 2016)

Professor Asks if Sleep Speeds Stroke-Related Language Disorder Recovery