Principal Investigator

Dr. Jing Shen, Director of the lab, is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Temple University. She received her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from University of California, San Diego and had her postdoctoral training in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms in speech perception by older adults with age-related hearing loss, with the overarching goal of developing clinical assessments and interventions that effectively target listeners’ experiences in real-world communicative contexts. When she is not busy working with her students and research team, she enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her two school-aged children.
Undergraduate Research Assistants

Ryan Gallagher is an undergraduate in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences program. He plans to complete a minor in Health Policy and Management and a certificate in linguistics. Outside of the SPAC lab, he is an active member in NSSLHA. Ryan plans to attend graduate school to pursue a career in speech pathology. In his free time, Ryan likes to hike and watch movies, while continuing his competitive Irish dance career.

Andrew Prasanth is an undergraduate student majoring in Health Professions with a minor in Applied Epidemiology. Outside of the SPAC Lab, he is an active member of Phi Delta Epsilon, AMSA, and Temple Formula Racing. He enjoys going on walks, thrifting, trying new foods, and watching new TV shows in his free time. After graduating from Temple University, Andrew plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a neurologist.

Amelia “Mimi” Sabatino is a undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences major who is also earning an undergraduate certification in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. On campus, she serves as the captain of the Women’s Cross Country team. When she isn’t running or studying, Mimi enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and making jewelry. She is eager to participate in this research opportunity to explore diverse career paths, develop transferable skills, and gain valuable experience as she prepares for a future in the medical field.

Samantha Smith is an undergraduate student majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science. Outside of the lab, she is a member of the Temple Community Orchestra. She plans obtain her certificate in American Sign Language and attend graduate school to pursue a career working with children and adolescents as an audiologist. She enjoys music, fashion, and cooking.

Holly Stanley is an undergraduate Music Technology major who aspires to specialize in music cognition and perception research. Outside of SPAC Lab, Holly is the Vice President of the Music Technology and Business Society, and you can find her performing with ensembles, working on musical projects, reading non-fiction, or working in Multi-Media Services at University of Pennsylvania. After graduating from Temple next year, Holly will pursue her doctorate in Music.
Interested in Joining the Lab?
We take in undergraduate research assistants either as student workers or volunteers as needed. Reach out to Dr. Jing Shen at jing.shen@temple.edu stating that you wish to join our lab!
Lab Alumni
| Undergraduates |
| Julia Knutelska (2022-2026) Nora Simmons (2024-2026) Kathryn Schnell (2024-2026) Autumn Ferrer (2024-2025) Aliyah McDaniel (2024-2025) Amy Love (2023-2025) Anna Thanasi (2023-2025) Lily Knickerbocker (2025) Naramin Abuali (2023-2024) Annette Luba (2023) Kristin Odd (2022-2023) Libby Stevens (2022-2023) Gabriella Chichilitti (2022-2023) Kayla Gaussaint (2021) Emma Panetti (2021) Daphne Wong (2021) Caitlyn Dececco (2021-2022) Taylor Teal (2021-2022) Mollee Feeney (2020-2023) Caitlin Sharkey (2020-2021) Reshma Reji (2020-2021) Natalie Boyer (2020) Alexa Liss (2020) |
| Graduates |
| Max Svalgard (2025-2026) McDaniel Andre (2024-2025) Rose Dietrich (2023-2024) Laura Fitzgerald (2021-2023) |
