Post-doctoral fellows must have completed the MD, DO, DDS or Ph.D. degree with an interest in oral physiology, anatomy, modeling or imaging. The Laboratory and Section host international visitors and scientists interested in understanding the upperaerodigestive system and oral pharyngeal imaging. Visitors can be trained to use the instruments and technologies developed in the Laboratory. The staff conduct workshops for national meetings, local and regional interest groups, universities and professional groups interested in the application of ultrasound and other non-invasive techniques to study swallowing, speech and oral motor function. Staff teach at local national and international universities and colleges and provide continuing educational experiences for NIH staff and students.
Opportunities exist for volunteers to assist in the Laboratory on specific assigned projects.
Our program incorporates innovative approaches and new instrumental techniques to investigate anatomic and physiologic aspects of swallowing and oral motor function. Real-time 2D and 3D ultrasound, Power and Doppler ultrasound, video fluoroscopy, tongue force and endurance, fluid flow, surface electromyography, and magnetic resonance imaging are some of the technologies utilized in the Laboratory. Computerized Voice Analysis Vocal dysfunction secondary to various medical conditions is evaluated with tools including acoustic, perceptual voice analysis and direct laryngeal visualization. In-depth acoustic analysis and statistical procedures are performed to evaluate the variety of vocal parameters. T echnologic Development New instrumentation, imaging techniques and computer analysis programs are being tested and developed and tested to provide the infrastructure for precision data acquisition.