Catherine Theys

Associate ProfessorCatherine Theys

MSLP Programme Director & Year 1 Coordinator

Qualifications

Research Interests

Dr. Theys’ research aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of normal speech production and speech production disorders by combining behavioral and neuroimaging approaches. To grasp the complexity of the speech production process, she uses an integrated approach of neurocomputational modeling with brain imaging and neurophysiological techniques capable of capturing the spatial ((f)MRI) and temporal (EEG) neural correlates of speech. This approach is based on state-of-the-art models, data acquisition and processing techniques, and complemented by novel, custom-developed techniques. The fundamental scientific component of this research focuses on detailed mapping of the neural speech network. This is conducted through the study of normal speech production as well as stuttering and acquired neurogenic speech disorders. Dr Theys’ studies on speech disorders also have a strong translational component. It is anticipated that understanding the neural basis of speech production problems will eventually lead to effective and personalized treatment approaches, with a positive impact on health and wellbeing.

Recent Publications

  • Eustace M., McGarr K. and Theys C. (2023) Māori aspirations following stroke: A pathway forward for the speech-language therapy field. Aphasiology http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2023.2170695.
  • Elliott C., Sutherland D., Gerhard D. and Theys C. (2022) An evaluation of the P300 Brain Computer Interface, EyeLink Board and Eye Tracking Camera as Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research http://dx.doi.org/10.1044/2022_JSLHR-21-00572.
  • MacAskill MR., Pitcher TL., Melzer TR., Myall DJ., Horne KL., Shoorangiz R., Almuqbel MM., Livingston L., Grenfell S. and Pascoe MJ. (2022) The New Zealand Parkinson’s progression programme. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03036758.2022.2111448.
  • Williams E., McAuliffe M. and Theys C. (2021) Language changes in Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review of verb processing. Brain and Language 223 105041: 1-17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2021.105041.
  • Newbury J., Bartoszewicz Poole A. and Theys C. (2020) Current practices of New Zealand speech language pathologists working with multilingual children. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology 22(5): 571-582. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2020.1712476.