About Us
Pradeep Ramanathan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Ramanathan is the director of the B.R.A.I.N. Lab at Texas State University, Round Rock. He earned his bachelor's degree in Physics at the University of California at Berkeley, and his master's degree in Physics at San Francisco State University. He worked as an engineer in Silicon Valley for several years before going to the University of Minnesota to pursue a clinical master's degree and subsequently a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology. Dr. Ramanathan taught at the University of Connecticut from 2009-2015, and California State East Bay from 2015-2023. He joined the faculty at TXST in Fall 2023. Dr. Ramanathan’s research applies behavioral and neuroimaging methods to investigate cognitive and communicative function, dysfunction, and treatment effects in individuals with post-stroke aphasia and in individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury.
Current Lab Members
Zoe Birdwell
Zoe is from Stephenville, Texas. She is currently a junior at Texas State University-Round Rock Campus. She is getting her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences and will then pursue a master's degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences to become a Speech Language Pathologist. She first realized her passion for this field in her sophomore year of high school while nannying for a family that had a child with a speech disorder. In the future, she would like to work with pediatrics in a private practice setting with a concentration in children with autism.
Andrea Cervera Diaz
Andrea is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Communication Disorders at Texas State University with hopes of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist. In the fall of 2023, she became a member of the B.R.A.I.N. Lab, where she has been immersed in the world of behavioral research and gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the brain. Her passion lies in understanding the complexities of the brain, particularly its role in speech and language development. She finds it fascinating to explore how the brain continues to function even after injury, and her enthusiasm drives her constant quest for knowledge in this field. Outside of school, she will likely be found at home catching up on some much-needed sleep or at a local coffee shop, savoring a good cup of coffee.
Addie Chavana
Addie is an undergrad student at Texas State Round Rock- Campus studying to become a Speech Language Pathologist . She joined B.R.A.I.N lab in the fall of 2023 and has loved it ever since. She finds passion in caring for others . You can typically find Addie going for a run at any park, at the gym, hanging out with her friends and especially eating at her favorite restaurant Chick-Fil-A.
Chloe Hobbs
Chloe is an undergraduate student who joined the B.R.A.I.N. Lab in the fall of 2023. She is majoring in Communication Disorders and minoring in Psychology, she will graduate in May of 2025. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Masters in Communication Disorders to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading a book, running, kayaking, and spending as much time outside as she can.
Autumn Kashin
Autumn is an undergrad student at Texas State University - Roundrock Campus. She joined the B.R.A.I.N. lab fall of 2023 and is working on becoming a licensed Speech Pathologist. She loves working with people and hopes to start shadowing in clinics Summer of 2024. She is passionate about helping others in any way she can. She loves animals, exercising, and being outdoors.
Macie Stewart
Macie is a junior in the Communication Disorders undergrad program at Texas State University - Round Rock Campus. She joined the B.R.A.I.N. Lab in the Fall of 2023. She is studying to become a Speech Language Pathologist, in hopes of working with children. Her aspiration to specialize in pediatric care stems from her desire to support children in overcoming communication challenges. Outside of school, Macie is either at the gym where she coaches a club volleyball team or working with a local wedding florist.