Shahryar Zainaee

Biography

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Dakota. My research focuses on swallowing motor control, swallowing and respiration coordination, and the interactions between cognitive and motor processes. I am particularly interested in understanding how the nervous system controls swallowing during everyday activities and how these processes may be affected by neurological conditions.

At UND, I am developing the Aerodigestive Motor Control (AMC) Lab, where my research examines swallowing and respiratory function under different motor and cognitive demands. My broader research interests include dysphagia, voice and laryngeal disorders, and neurogenic communication disorders. My work includes experimental investigations of swallowing physiology, acoustic voice assessment, and the development of methods for studying motor control.

Before joining UND in 2026, I completed my doctoral research in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Bowling Green State University. I earned my master's degree from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and my bachelor's degree from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences. My background also includes clinical experience in Speech-Language Pathology, teaching, and research.