Syracuse Sun

A professor from Syracuse University has been recognized for his contributions to the field of communication sciences and disorders. Jonathan Preston, a faculty member in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Syracuse University, has been named an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Fellow. This distinction is one of ASHA's most prestigious honors, awarded to members who have demonstrated significant professional, clinical, or scientific achievements with impacts beyond their local communities.

Preston directs the Speech Production Laboratory at Syracuse University's Gebbie Clinic. His research focuses on developing evidence-based assessments and treatments for speech sound disorders. As a certified speech-language pathologist, he specializes in treating persistent articulation difficulties and childhood apraxia of speech while investigating the neurobiological foundations of these disorders in children.

"Our lab conducts clinical trials to generate generalizable knowledge about treating children’s speech disorders," Preston stated. "We explore innovative technologies like ultrasound, acoustic biofeedback, teletherapy and AI to augment speech therapy, with students and staff collaboratively developing creative solutions."

Statistics highlight the importance of Preston's work: one in 12 children aged 3 to 17 in the United States experiences a voice, speech, language or swallowing disorder. Nearly half of these children have not received intervention services within the past year, according to ASHA statistics.

Preston's recognition comes after receiving a National Institutes of Health grant alongside researchers from Syracuse University, New York University and Montclair State University. The project explores biofeedback technologies that provide real-time visual representations of children's speech patterns—information they typically cannot perceive independently. The research will compare various therapeutic approaches using these technologies while evaluating AI-based tools for home practice with human oversight.