Meet the STARS Scientific Advisors

Per A. Alm, PhD, is a researcher and senior lecturer in neuroscience and speech science affiliated with Uppsala University in Sweden. His work focuses on the underlying mechanisms of stuttering, from background risk factors to brain processes and the nature of speech disruptions.Dr. Alm’s research integrates experimental methods and large-scale analysis of published data to advance theoretical frameworks for understanding stuttering, with the goal of informing future research and improving treatment approaches.

Dr. Pierpaolo Busan is a Tenure-Track Researcher in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Trieste, Italy. He is a psychologist with a PhD in Neuroscience and a postgraduate specialization in Neuropsychology. He previously served as Head of the Stuttering and Speech Therapy Lab at IRCCS San Camillo in Venice. His research focuses on the neurophysiological mechanisms of persistent developmental stuttering and the development of more effective rehabilitation approaches, particularly through EEG/MEG, neuromodulation (TMS/tES), and neurofeedback.

Annie Hernandez graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, specializing in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. She currently works as a Research Assistant at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology in Jupiter, Florida, conducting inflammation experiments. Stuttering since early childhood, she has been actively involved in the stuttering community, and in 2024 presented as a keynote speaker at several international conferences for people who stutter. When she isn’t conducting inflammation experiments at Scripps, Annie enjoys singing and songwriting, kayaking, and paddleboarding with her family and friends. As a dedicated STARS member, Annie is committed to leveraging her biomedical expertise and passion for supporting individuals who stutter to enhance their quality of life.

Shelly Jo Kraft, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor at Wayne State University (Detroit, USA) and Director of the International Stuttering Project and the Behavior, Speech & Genetics Laboratory. Her research focuses on the biological and behavioral genetics of developmental stuttering, mapping gene expression to the mechanisms that shape speech production, regulation, and severity. With nearly two decades of work and an international team of experts and clinicians, Dr. Kraft’s lab has helped identify nearly 60 genes linked to stuttering, advancing how we understand and potentially treat complex speech conditions.

Ram Krishnan brings deep technical expertise and strong business acumen from leadership roles in both startups and large enterprises. He has successfully identified new markets and brought innovative products to market across telecommunications, media delivery, cybersecurity, and blockchain. A person who stutters, Ram champions inclusive leadership and authentic communication. The loss of both his parents inspired him to focus his entrepreneurial efforts on the life sciences, where he seeks to make meaningful impact while honoring their legacy.

Gonçalo Leal is the co-founder and Clinical Director of the Speechcare & iStutter Center (Portugal, Spain, UAE). He serves as a professor and mentor in the “Specialization in Fluency Disorders” program at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Concepción, Chile, and as a guest professor at the University of Ghana. A founding member of the Portuguese Society of Speech Therapy, he also served as coordinator of the Ethics Committee of the Portuguese Association of Speech Therapy. Gonçalo collaborates with leading technology companies to develop digital speech therapy solutions and continues to engage in research, contribute to international conferences, and mentor students worldwide. He also delivers clinical training for Speech and Language Pathologists across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Dr. Shahriar SheikhBahaei is an Empire Innovation Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, and a person who stutters. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his PhD from a joint program between University College London (UCL) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. SheikhBahaei’s research investigates how astrocytes interact with neurons to regulate voluntary motor behaviors, focusing on speech and respiratory circuits. Using genetic, optical, and electrophysiological tools, his lab aims to uncover the contributions of glial cells to motor behaviors and disorders such as developmental stuttering

Based in Perth, Western Australia, Dr Winn is the Founder and Executive Director of Precision Medical and Health (PMH), using innovative precision medicine to improve health outcomes and quality of life. A former Executive and Deputy Dean with over 30 years in academia, he has held visiting roles at the University of California and NTU, and has published widely on disability, health literacy, and child health.

Tricia Hedinger is a clinical associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Knoxville and a board-certified specialist in stuttering, cluttering, and other fluency disorders. With a strong background in stuttering support, anti-bullying initiatives, and summer camps, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive and empowering environments for individuals who stutter. Ms. Hedinger serves as Vice Chair and Director of Continuing Education for the World Stuttering Network. She is also a published author, contributing to books, chapters, and peer-reviewed articles on stuttering and speech-language development.