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.

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, reading, 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.

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.

Babin Mishra (he/him) is an undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences student. He hopes to one day work as a pediatric SLP in early intervention. In his free time, he likes to stroll through record stores, have his nose in a book, and cook for his friends. You will often times find him planning his next themed party to entertain his friends. 

Lilyanne Ballard is an undergraduate Speech, Language, and Hearing science major with a Spanish minor. In her free time, she loves to enjoy live music, go thrifting, and read.

Julia Mathews (she/her) is an undergraduate Speech Language Hearing Sciences major at Temple University. She is interested in voice and swallowing disorders and would love to work in a hospital setting. In her free time, Julia likes to draw, bake, go on walks and spend time with her friends!