About us

Lab Director

Liz Heller Murray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Dr. Heller Murray (pronouns: she/her) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She completed her MS in Speech-Language Pathology at MGH Institute of Health Professions and her doctoral and postdoctoral work at Boston University. Dr. Heller Murray’s clinical background has focused on treating children with voice and velopharyngeal disorders. Her current research uses acoustic, aerodynamic, and perceptual methods to investigate vocal development in children with and without communication disorders. The goal of her work is to leverage this information to improve current therapeutic interventions for children with voice disorders. When she isn’t working, Dr. Heller Murray likes to do painting, pottery, gardening, and playing with her daughter and dog.

Anna Rutherford (she/her) is the lab manager of the Vocal Devlopment Lab. She graduated from Temple University with a BA in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience as well as her certificate in American Sign Language. Her research interests include language development, voice disorders, and childhood voice. In her free time, she enjoys baking, listening to music, and watching true crime documentaries.  

Sara Paulson (she/her) graduated from Temple University in December 2023 with a double major in English and Speech, Language, and Hearing Science. She also received a certificate in American Sign Language. She is currently working on a project with Dr. Heller Murray examining the barriers to providing pediatric voice therapy in the school systems. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and trying new restaurants around Philadelphia!

Yasamin Molazeinal (she/her) is a doctoral student in Temple University’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Science Doctoral Program. She received her Master’s and Bachelor’s in Speech Language Pathology from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. With a strong passion for voice production and voice disorders, Yasamin has initiated research and clinical experience in the field over the past few years. Currently, she serves as a RA for the VDL under the supervision of Dr. Heller Murray, where she focuses on advancing her research in pediatric voice disorders.

Nicholas Hiem (he/him) graduated from Temple University in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and is currently a graduate student in Temple University’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Science Master’s program. His goal is to become an adult population SLP, and eventually use his experience and parlay that into working as a professor. In his free time, he enjoys supporting Philadelphia sports teams, spending time with friends, family, and his cats!
 

Anhtina (Tina) Ho (she/her) is a graduate student in Temple University’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Science Master’s Program. She achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders and minored in Cognitive Neuroscience at Temple University in May 2022. She hopes to specialize in voice and swallowing disorders and work in the medical setting. Currently, she is involved in research surrounding pediatric voice disorders and school SLPs. In her free time, Tina enjoys playing pickleball, watching movies, and finding new local restaurants to try! 

Aileesh Mathew (she/her)  is an undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences major at Temple University pursuing a certificate in Linguistics. She aims to specialize in swallowing therapy for the child or adult population in a hospital setting. In her free time, Aileesh enjoys shopping, exploring new food spots, and watching psychological thrillers.

Jillian McFarland (she/her) is an undergraduate student in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Temple University with a certificate in Linguistics. Her goal is to one day work in a hospital as an audiologist. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and listening to music.

Arabella Nobel (she/her) is an undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing Science Major at Temple University pursuing a certificate in American Sign Language. Her future goal is to work in a children’s hospital. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, and playing/listening to music!

Bella Pellitta (she/her) is an undergraduate Speech Language Hearing Sciences major at Temple University pursing certificates in American Sign Language and Linguistics. Her goal is to one day work in a skilled nursing facility or hospital, providing swallowing therapy for the adult population. In her free time, she likes to travel and spend time with her friends and sisters! 

Varasiddhi Vinay (she/her) is an undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing Science student at Temple University working towards a certificate in American Sign Language. She is interested in voice and swallowing disorders and would love to work in this area of the field one day. In her free time, she likes to thrift and style, sing, binge TV shows, and volunteer at an animal refuge in Philly!