Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · PsychologyOlmstead Lab
Anne Olmstead · University Park, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Anne Olmstead's lab at Penn State focuses on understanding how individuals with communication disorders, particularly those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), can improve their verbal communication. The lab studies both structured and natural conversations to learn how speech patterns change as ALS progresses and how interventions can better support those affected. By involving caregivers in research, the lab aims to enhance communication strategies that improve quality of life for people with degenerative conditions.
verbal communicationALScommunication disordersinterventionspeech patternscaregiver supportphoneticsnaturalistic interactionscommunication impairmentquality of life
Research Aims
4AIM 01Extend theoretical frameworks of communication to include persons with ALS.
AIM 02Analyze structured interactions to examine phonetic adjustments.
AIM 03Investigate natural communication flexibility in ALS speakers' language use.
AIM 04Incorporate caregivers into communication studies for ALS to assess intervention feasibility.
Skills the Lab Values
structured interaction analysisphonetic analysisdata collectionqualitative researchcommunication intervention designcaregiver engagement strategiesstatistical analysisexperimental psychologyinterview techniquestranscription methods
Output against the department
Publications21bottom 3% of dept.288th of 296
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations48bottom 1% of dept.292nd of 296
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.