Cruse Executive Functioning Lab (CEF Lab)
In the Cruse Executive Functioning Lab, speech-language pathologists harness ways to use gaming technology to better assess and diagnose cognitive-level deficits in individuals living with traumatic brain injury.
The Cruse Executive Functioning Lab (CEF Lab) is dedicated to understanding the impact of executive dysfunction on individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Primary work is focused on the development of gaming technology that can streamline and improve the assessment and diagnosis of cognitive-level deficits for speech-language pathologists working with this population. Additional projects are centered on investigating the structure and impact of online support groups hosted via social media platforms for individuals with TBI and their caregivers.
Meet the Team
Nicole Cruse, Ph.D.
Nicole Cruse, Ph.D.Dr. Nicole Cruse is the principal investigator for the Cruse Executive Functioning Lab. She has a Ph.D. in speech, language and hearing sciences from the University of Connecticut where she was also a member of the Acquired Language Disorders Lab and the Aphasia Rehab Lab. She is currently directing several research projects in her role as assistant professor in the Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences department at Sacred Heart University, including the development of a video game assessment tool for executive dysfunction resulting from brain injury and an in-depth content analysis of posting behaviors on social media mediated support groups for those with TBI.
Kathleen Vergnolle
Kathleen Vergnolle is a graduate student in the speech-language pathology program at Sacred Heart University. She is passionate about working with both pediatric and adult populations with a particular interest in supporting individuals with neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Vergnolle is interested in the intersection of clinical practice and research. As part of the CEF Lab, she is assisting with a scoping review on confabulation as well as development of Dr. Cruse’s video game assessment tool for executive dysfunction following brain injury.
Abigail Pitts
Abigail Pitts is a graduate student in the speech-language pathology program at Sacred Heart University. Her research interests include supporting individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative conditions. She is focused on developing effective assessment and intervention approaches that improve cognition and communication for those with neurological conditions.
Jenna McGuinness
Jenna McGuinness is a senior undergraduate student in the speech-language pathology program at Sacred Heart University. She is interested in working with pediatric and adult populations, particularly individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Her research interests include TBI and other neurological conditions, such as stroke, and their effects on cognition and communication. In the CEF Lab, she is assisting with the Voices of Resilience: A Peer‑Driven Podcasting Manual grant project-based intervention, helping those with TBI create a ‘how to’ manual on creating a podcast.
Erin Ring
Erin Ring is an undergraduate student at Sacred Heart University majoring in speech, language & hearing sciences. She is interested in neurological disorders and how they can affect communication and cognition. Erin has gained research experience through projects involving individuals with Parkinson’s disease and is interested in continuing to explore the connection between research and clinical care. She is interested in working with both pediatric and adult populations. In the CEF Lab, she is gaining experience with research focused on executive functioning and cognitive communication challenges. She is currently assisting with the discourse analysis project.
Kathleen O'Brien
Kathleen O'Brien is a graduate student in the speech-language pathology program at Sacred Heart University. She is dedicated to working with adults with neurological conditions such as TBI and stroke, as well as helping to improve communication and cognition for these individuals. In the CEF Lab, she is assisting with the discourse analysis project.
Alyssa Murphy
Alyssa Murphy is an undergraduate student in the accelerated speech-language pathology program at Sacred Heart University. She is interested in working in a variety of settings within the field, ranging from pediatric to adult populations. Her particular interest is in neurodegenerative conditions, including but not limited to Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. She also has an interest in traumatic brain injury and looks forward to the research opportunities of the CEF lab.
Marissa Howard
Marissa Howard is a senior in the 3+2 Dual Degree Program in Speech‑Language Pathology at Sacred Heart University. Her research interests include supporting individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer’s disease, with a strong commitment to improving cognitive‑communication outcomes across the lifespan. She is passionate about working with both pediatric and adult populations, with particular interest in supporting individuals with autism and other learning disabilities. As part of the CEF Lab, she is assisting with the Voices of Resilience: A Peer‑Driven Podcasting Manual grant project, contributing to the development of accessible podcast‑based tools designed to empower individuals with brain injury through peer‑supported storytelling and communication.
Ines Benadouda
Ines Benadouda is a senior in the accelerated speech-language pathology program at Sacred Heart University. She is passionate about working with both pediatric and adult populations. She would like to gain research experience through the CEF Lab and hopes to expand her understanding of the brain and its role in cognition and communication. She will be assisting with the discourse analysis project in the CEF lab.
More Information
Interested in participating in research or learning about the work conducted in the lab? Email Nicole Cruse at crusen2@sacredheart.edu.