Froud Discussed Studies that Reveal Brain Function
A look at imaging techniques that reveal the neurological underpinnings of language and
behavior
As part of Teachers College’s Provost’s Series, Karen Froud, Director of the College’s
Neurocognition of Language Lab and Associate Professor of Speech and Language Pathology
and Neuroscience and Education, discussed her use of imaging technologies to reveal the brain
function that underlies observable behavior in children with speech disorders, adults learning to
read, people who speak multiple languages, and even long-time practitioners of meditation.
Froud spoke on Tuesday, June 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Room 179 Grace Dodge
Hall.
For generations, researchers have sought to understand speech pathologies, schizophrenia and
other neurological disorders from the outside, working backwards from behavioral studies
and psychological testing to try to develop effective therapies and teaching approaches. Froud
and her students are reversing that paradigm by using sophisticated imaging technologies to
reveal underlying differences in the brains of people with these disorders, as well as to describe
brain function in people with enhanced linguistic abilities. “Such points of difference,” Froud
says, “can now be identified with much the same precision as variations on human genes – and
could someday be just as useful in developing effective therapeutic interventions.”
Published Thursday, May. 31, 2012