School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

SHRS
Directory

Katherine Verdolini Abbott PhD

verdolini_kitty_kav25_124x165

    Title

    Professor

    Office Location

    4039 Forbes Tower

    Office phone

    412-383-6544

Academic and Professional Appointments

  • Professor of Communication Science and Disorders (primary)
  • Professor of Otolaryngology (secondary)
  • McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wound Healing Section (member)
  • Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Carnegie-Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh 

Professional Certification and Licenses

 

 

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Certification of Clinical Competence – Speech-Language Pathology
  • State Examiner’s Board in Speech, Language, and Hearing, Pennsylvania (Speech-Language Pathologist)

 

Biographical profile

 

 

Past speech-language pathology director – Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
Primary current responsibilities: Researcher and teacher in the preparation of clinical masters and clinical doctoral students, and research doctoral students. Principle areas of research and teaching are indicated below. Research spans basic science, translational, and clinical studies related to voice and voice disorders. Has served as Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, Consultant, and Mentor on several NIH-funded projects, and has current NIH funding for several additional projects including R01s and R03s. Also served as reviewer for NIH study sections as well as Editor for Speech, Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research. Continues to be involved in large scale research and clinical studies dissemination in numerous venues throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. Participated in initiatives by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in the generation of standards for the perceptual evaluation of voice, and in the publication of the Consensus Manual of Voice Disorders-I.

 

Education

 

  • PhD Experimental Psychology/Cognitive Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 1991
  • MS Speech and Hearing Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 1983
  • MA (equivalent) Italian Letters, Universita’ di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy, 1978
  • BS Italian and German, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, (with 2 years at the Universita’ di Bologna, Bologna, Italy, through Indiana University’s study abroad program), 1975
  • Diplome de Langue et Civilisation Française, La Sorbonne, Paris, 1974
  • MDiv, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA (ongoing)

 

Awards and Honors

 

  • Phi Beta Kappa, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN , 1975
  • B.S. in Italian/German “with distinction, Indiana University, 1975
  • Faculty Member of the Year, awarded by NSSLA, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 1991
  • Certificate of Outstanding Contribution, ASHA, 2000
  • Fellow, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,
  • 3rd Place Prize, American Brochoesophageal Association American Laryngological Association Combined Otolaryngological Spring Meeting, Nashville, TN, 2003
  • Editor’s Award for best paper of the year, Journal of Voice, Branski RC, Perera R, Verdolini K, Rosen CA, Hebda PA, & Agarwal S., 2008
  • Honors of the Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2009

 

Academic Interests

 

 

  • Voice science (general)
  • Cognitive science (general)
  • Voice therapy and training (general)
  • Vocal biomechanics
  • Vocal fold wound healing; computational modeling
  • Prevention of voice problems, particularly in high-risk populations
  • Spirituality and health

 

Recent Publications: Refereed Articles

 

  • Verdolini K, Rosen CA, Branski RC, & Hebda PA. Shifts in biochemical markers associated with wound healing in laryngeal secretions following phonotrauma: A preliminary study. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 2003;112:1021-1025.
  • Branski RC, Verdolini K, Rosen CA, & Hebda P. Markers of Wound Healing in Vocal Fold Secretions in Patients with Laryngeal Pathology. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 2004;113:23-29.
  • Branski RC, Rosen CA, Verdolini K, & Hebda PA. Acute vocal fold wound healing in a rabbit model. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, & Laryngology, 2005:114(! Pt 1):19-24.
  • Branski RC, Rosen CA, Verdolini K, & Hebda, PA. Biomechanical markers associated with wound healing: a rabbit model. Journal of Voice, 2005:19(2):283-289.
  • Yiu EML, Verdolini K, & Chow LPW. Effect of concurrent and terminal electromyographic biofeedback on laryngeal muscle relaxation in phonation. Journal of Speech-Language-Hearing Research. 2005:48(6):1254-1268,
  • Walsh J, Branski RC, & Verdolini K. Double-blind study on the effects of topical anesthesia on vocal fold secretions. Journal of Voice. 2006 Jun; 20(2); 282-290.
  • Branski RC, Sandulache VC, Rosen CA, Verdolini K., & Hebda PA. Vocal fold wound healing: A review for clinicians. Journal of Voice. 2006 Sep; 20(3): 432-442.
  • Puts DA., Caulin SJC, & Verdolini K. Dominance and the evolution of sexual dimorphism in human voice pitch. Evolution and Human Behavior 2006 27: 283-296.
  • Branski RC, Perera R, Verdolini K, Rosen CA, Hebda PA, & Agarwal S. Dynamic Biomechanical Strain Inhibits IL-1β-induced Inflammation in Vocal Fold Fibroblasts. Journal of Voice. 2007 21(6); 651-660.
  • Dietrich M, Verdolini K, Gartner-Schmidt J, & Rosen CA. The frequency of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with common pathologies affecting voice. Journal of Voice. 2008 July; 22(4); 472-488.
  • Grillo E., & Verdolini K. Evidence for distinguishing pressed, normal, resonant, and breathy voice qualities by laryngeal resistance and vocal efficiency in vocally trained subjects. Journal of Voice, 2008 Sept; 22(5):546-552.
  • Li, N. Y. K., Verdolini, K., Clermont, G., Mi, Q., Hebda, P. A., Rubinstein, E. N., & Vodovotz, Y. (2008). A patient-specific in silico model of inflammation and healing tested in acute vocal fold injury. PLoS ONE, 2008 3(7), e2789.
  • Kempster GB, Gerratt BR, Verdolini K, Barkmeier-Kraemer J, & Hillman RE. Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice: Development of a standardized clinical protocol. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 2009 May 18(2): 124-132.
  • Ziegler A, Gillespie A, & Verdolini Abbott K. Review: Behavioral treatment of voice disorders in teachers. Folia Phoniatrica (in press).
  • Yiu, E.M.L., Ho, M.E., Ma, E.P-M., Verdolini Abbott, K., Branski, R, Richardson, K. & Li, N. Y.K. (in press). Possible cross-cultural differences in the perception of impact of voice disorders. Journal of Voice (in press).
  • Li, N. Y. K., Verdolini, K., Hebda, P. A., Vodovotz, Y. & An, G. Translational systems biology in vocal fold inflammation and healing. Laryngoscope, 2009 120(3), 511-515.
  • Li, N. Y. K., Vodovotz, Y., Hebda, P. A., & Verdolini, K. Biosimulation of inflammation and healing in surgically injured vocal folds. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. (in press).

 

 

Recent Publications: Book Chapters and Other

 

  • Verdolini K & Lee TD. Optimizing motor learning in speech interventions: Theory and practice. In: Sapienza C & Casper J (eds.), For clinicians by clinicians: Vocal rehabilitation in medical speech-language pathology; 2004; Austin, Texas: Pro-Ed.
  • Verdolini K, Rosen CA, & Branski RC (Eds.) Classification Manual of Voice Disorders-I. (2006). Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum.
  • Dietrich, M. & Verdolini Abbott, K. Psychobiological framework of stress and voice: A psychobiological framework for studying psychological stress and its relation to voice disorders. In: K. Izdebski (Ed.), Emotions in the Human Voice (Vol.II, Clinical Evidence, pp. 159-178); 2008; San Diego: Plural Publishing.
  • Verdolini, K., Li, N., Hersan, R., & Kessler, L. Voice therapy for children. In C. Hartnick & M. Boseley, Clinical management of children’s voice disorders. San Diego: Plural Publishing. (in press).
  • Verdolini, K & Li, Y.K.L. Case study: Resonant Voice Therapy: Precursor to Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy. In J Stemple & L Fry, Voice therapy: Clinical studies (3rd ed) (pp. 62-75). San Diego: Singular Publishing Group, Inc. (in press).

 

Courses Recently Taught

 

  • CSD 2073 Voice Disorders
  • CSD 2081 Research Strategies and Tactics in Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • CSD 1234 Evaluation and Treatment of Communication Disorders

 

Externally Funded Projects

 

  • PI, R01, Prospective Randomized Study of Prevention of Voice Problems in Teachers. 2009-2014. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • Consultant (Sivasankar, PI), R03, Physiological effects of hyperosmotic vocal fold surface fluid. 2008-2011. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • PI, R01, Hybrid Model of Vocal Fold Inflammation and Tissue Mobilization. 2007-2012. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • Consultant (Yiu, PI), R21, Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study of Acupuncture for Phonotrauma. 2007-2009. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • Consultant (Bonhilla, PI), R03, Throat Clearing, Coughing, and Alternative Behaviors. 2007-2012. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • Mentor (Delitto, Program Director), K12, Multicenter Career Development Program for Physical and Occupational Therapists (PT/PT/CDP). 2007-2012. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
  • Consultant (Shaiman, PI), R03, Kinematic Comparison of Speech and Nonspeech Oral Tasks. 2005-2008. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • PI, R01, Biophysiological Mechanisms of “Heightened Speech.” 2003-2008. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • Regional PI (Logemann PI), U01, Randomized Study of Two Interventions for Liquid Aspiration. 1997-2002. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • PI, K08, Cognitive neurophysiology of skill acquisition for voice. 1997-2001. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • Consultant (Titze, PI), P01, Biomechanics of the Larynx in Research and Training; Center for Voice and Speech Communication. 1995-2000. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • Consultant (Damasio, PI), P01, Anatomical Basis of Memory; Program Project, 1991-1996. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

 

 

Service (since at University of Pittsburgh)


Committees

  • 2001-2003 Chair, Liaison Committee, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, National Teachers of Singing, and Voice and Speech Trainers Association
  • 2001-2002 Chair, Consensus Meeting on Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice Disorders, Sponsored by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Division 3: Voice and Voice Disorders, and Communication Science and Disorders, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh.
  • 2001-2002 Chair, Nominating Committee, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
  • 2001- Member, Accreditation Review Committee, Communication Science and Disorders, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh.
  • 2002-2005 Member, Scientific Advisory Board, Voice Foundation.
  • 2003- Member, Scientific Advisory Board, Journal of Medicine and the Person
  • 2004- Member, Admissions Committee, Communication Science and Disorders, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh (Chair, 2006-2008)
  • 2004- Member, Clinical Doctorate (SLP) Committee, Communication Science and Disorders, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
  • 2007- Member, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Grievance and Policies Committee.
  • 2007- Member, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Nutrition Committee.
  • 2007- Member, University Research Council, University of Pittsburgh

Reviewing

  • 2001-2002 Reviewer, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, R03 Application Study Section (July 2001; November 2001; November 2002)
  • 2002 Reviewer (occasional), Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
  • 2002 Reviewer, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association research applications
  • 2002-2005 Data Safety and Monitoring Committee, R. Paniello P.I., Clinical Trial, “Medialization versus Reinnervation for Vocal Cord Paralysis, R01 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
  • 2003-2005 Associate Editor for Speech, Journal of Speech-Language-Hearing Research
  • 2003 External reviewer, Ph.D. thesis, E. Ma, “Impairment, Activity Limitation and Participation Restriction Issues in Assessing Dysphonia.” Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
  • 2003 External reviewer, Ph.D. thesis, M. Munro, “Lessac’s Tonal Action in Women’s Voices and the ‘Actor’s Formant:’ A Comparative Study.” Faculty of Arts, Potschefstroomse Universiteit, South Africa.
  • 2003 “Opponent,” Ph.D. dissertation, M. Thomasson, “From Air to Aria.” Department of Speech, Music and Hearing, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
  • 2004-2008 Standing member, National Institutes of Health, R01, R21, and F-series Study Section, Motor Function, Speech and Rehabilitation Panel.
  • 2005 Site visitor, Periodic Program Review, Department of Communication Disorders, Temple University
  • 2005 Reviewer, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, R03 Application Study Section
  • 2005-2008 Editor for Speech, Journal of Speech-Language-Hearing Research
  • 2006-2007 Data and Safety Monitoring Board, C. Sapienza P.I., “A System for Conditioning Expiratory Muscles for Improved Respiratory Performance,” R21 HD046903 National Institute on Deafiness and Other Communication Disorders.
  • 2009 Chair, SHRS applications, Central Research Development Fund, University of Pittsburgh.
  • 2009 Reviewer, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Challenge Grants and Ad Hoc Reviewer, R01s, F31s, R03s.
  • 2009 Reviewer, 2009 Clinical Research Grant Competition, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association