Jacqueline’s research explores how the brain supports reading, language, and communication, with a particular focus on the sensory, motor, and neural systems that make literacy possible. She is interested in how these systems adapt with experience, development, and impairment, and how neuroscience can inform inclusive approaches to education and rehabilitation. 

Jacqueline finished her PhD in Cognitive Neuropsychology in 2009 and her BS in Psychology in 2005 from the University of Saskatchewan. She moved from Saskatoon to Edmonton in 2009 to join the University of Alberta as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Outside of lab, Jacqueline enjoys baking, biking, and spending time with her pets. She has two dogs and two cats!

jcummine[at]ualberta.ca [Faculty Page]

Amber is the resident audiologist at the faculty of rehabilitation medicine and also the research coordinator of the lab. She earned her MS in Audiology and Speech Language Pathologist from Dalhousie University, and her Bachelor of Engineering from University of Saskatchewan.

Praveen is broadly interested in the cognitive neuroscience of learning and decision-making, and in multimodal methods of neuroimaging. His thesis project investigates how the brain encodes transitional probabilities during statistical learning, its relationship to reading processes, and also individual differences in physiological predictors of performance. He is also developing an automated segmentation protocol for cranial nerve nuclei from brainstem MR images in the lab. Praveen joined the lab during his undergraduate studies after transferring to UofA from India. Outside of the lab, he enjoys photography, graphic design, and board games. Fun fact: he made this website :)

pprem@ualberta.ca [www.praveenprem.com]

My name is Mitchell Holmes, and I am a 4th-year PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Alberta. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, my research explores the intersections of brain functioning, lived experiences, and the development of meaningful interventions for individuals with dyslexia. Upon completion of my PhD, I hope to apply my research in practical ways. This may involve advocating for and shaping government policy to better support adults with reading disabilities, engaging in community-based intervention work through non-profit organizations, or continuing in academia to advance the development of effective interventions and drive social change.

mgholmes@ualberta.ca 

Kathleen earned her doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from Salus University in Pennsylvania. Kathleen was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta and was the owner of Professional Audiology Clinic from 2001 to 2023. She also holds Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education Psychology from the University of Alberta. In her spare time Kathleen enjoys traveling, yoga, skiing and spending time with friends and family.

kgjones@ualberta.ca 

Dima investigates the neurological underpinnings of communication disorders to better understand how interventions improve outcomes. In 2024, she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from the University of Alberta, where she used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to analyze brain activity during speech tasks. She is currently pursuing graduate studies examining how neural activity changes in adults who stutter as they progress through a comprehensive intervention program. By connecting brain-based evidence to clinical outcomes, Dima's work contributes to a deeper understanding of stuttering treatment and aims to inform more effective support for individuals with communication disorders.

alsaigh@ualberta.ca 

Liliane attempts to positively shape the resource options available for adults with literacy disorders in Canada. Using the knowledge she acquired from earning her BSc in psychology and biology from the University of Alberta, she aims to create change and understanding in learning programs to make them more adaptable to an adult’s working life and daily needs, thereby making learning and skill acquisition more accessible. In doing so, Liliane strives to improve mental and social outcomes in individuals with literacy disorders by providing opportunities for those most affected to contribute their voices to research.

raftus@ualberta.ca [Website]