Research Interests

My current work focuses on the way languages can accommodate both lexical tone (variation in fundamental frequency) and non-modal phonation such as creaky, breathy, or pressed voice. Cross-linguistically, this combination of both contrastive phonation type and pitch is rare because of the conflicting demands placed on the articulatory system. My most recent project has been with speakers of San Miguel Cajonos Zapotec.

Broader research interests of mine include the use of acoustic measurements to describe phonation contrasts, correlating airflow and electroglottograph (EGG) signals, and the development of lexical tone contrasts in the Otomangue language family.