Communication Disorders

Angela Dietsch studies the sensory and motor aspects of neural control for speech, voice, and swallowing functions, across age groups, genders and health conditions. To better understand and treat speech, voice, and swallowing disorders, she has mapped the neural networks that underlie taste perception, speech and swallowing coordination, and tongue movements. She teaches classes in speech, voice, and swallowing disorders and directs the Sensorimotor Integration for Swallowing and Communication Laboratory. An associate professor and graduate chair for the Department of Special Education Disorders, Dietsch is among resident faculty at UNL’s Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior. (Updated June 2025)

Loveall's main goal with her research is to better understand cognitive development in individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and to design and implement interventions for those who may be struggling with learning, language, or reading. Her most current research focuses on reading skills, as well as learning and language in individuals with Down syndrome, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and typical development. (Updated July 2025).

Kristy Weissling is a state and national expert on communication disorders that affect people after brain injuries or illnesses like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), or Alzheimer’s. Her research focuses on finding better ways to help people who have lost the ability to speak due to these conditions. She specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)—a field that explores tools and techniques to help people communicate when they can’t rely on natural speech. This might include using picture boards, gestures, or high-tech devices that turn text into spoken words. Weissling studies how to match the right communication tools to each person’s needs and how speech-language pathologists make decisions in complex clinical situations. She has also worked on state and national efforts to improve stroke care and rehabilitation services, particularly in rural areas where access can be limited. In addition to her research, Weissling is deeply committed to teaching. She helps train future speech-language pathologists and teaches courses on topics like aphasia, dementia, and communication technology. Weissling currently serves as the speech-language pathology program director at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is completing a term as interim department chair. She is an active member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the Nebraska Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSLHA), and the Nebraska Stroke Association. (Updated June 2025).

Judy Harvey’s main areas of expertise include neurogenic and degenerative communication disorders like aphasia, dementia, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). She also specializes in aging, memory and acquired brain injury. She is a certified speech-language pathologist with additional experience in serving as an inpatient communication disorders department supervisor. As an associate professor of practice in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders she teaches courses including Evidence-Based Practice, Motor Aspects of Verbal Communication, Acquired Brain Injury, Clinical Decision Making I, Adult Cognition and Language, and Accent Modification. Harvey is also active in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Nebraska Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSLHA). (Updated July 2025).