The Brain Rehabilitation And Investigation of Neuroplasticity (B.R.A.I.N.) Lab at Texas State University applies behavioral research and neuroimaging techniques (EEG, fNIRS, and partnering with MRI researchers) to investigate cognitive and communicative function, dysfunction, and treatment effects in individuals with stroke, moderate-severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and concussion (mild TBI).
About US
Scroll down to meet our team.
Pradeep Ramanathan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Ramanthan 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.
Office: Willow Hall, Room 249
Phone: 512-716-2608
Email: ramanathan@txstate.edu
Current Lab Members
Ainsley Barker
My name is Ainsley Barker, and I graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas with a Bachelor’s in psychology in 2026. After an internship for the ARC of the Capital Area, an organization devoted to advocacy, education, and care for disabled adults, I began pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders at Texas State University. I hope to continue my work with disabled adults upon graduation, with a specialty in autism and traumatic brain injury. I joined the B.R.A.I.N. Lab in order to obtain direct, hand-on experience with this kind of work and hopefully contribute with a line of research that could make care more accessible for all disabled populations.
Anabelle Flores
Anabelle is an undergraduate student at Texas State University majoring in Communication Disorders and became a member of the B.R.A.I.N. Lab in Fall of 2025. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school and earn a degree in speech-language pathology, with the goal of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist in a hospital setting. Through her coursework and participation in the B.R.A.I.N. Lab, she is passionate in supporting those who have experienced a brain injury or struggle with swallowing disorders. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, binge watching T.V. shows, and trying new matcha spots- strictly for “research purposes,” of course.
Megan Guinn
I am currently an undergraduate junior majoring in communication disorders at Texas State University. I intend to earn my master's degree and use it to become a Speech-language pathologist working in the medical field. The B.R.A.I.N Lab piqued my interest because of its focus on the connections between the brain, communication, and language, which led me to officially join in Fall 2026. Outside of the academic environment, I love to dance, choreograph, try new foods, and watch TV with my roommates!
Sandesh Gyawali
Sandesh is a graduate student in Computer Science at Texas State University, Round Rock campus. He holds undergraduate degrees in Electronics and Communication Engineering, and in Social Work and Rural Development. While these might seem like very different paths, together they reflect his interest in both technology and the human side of problem solving. Prior to beginning his master’s program, he worked for over three years as a software engineer, focusing on developing practical and scalable solutions. His research interests center on the intersection of computing and health, and he joined the B.R.A.I.N. Lab to contribute to advancing understanding of neuroplasticity and related applications.
Charlotte Koellner
Hi y’all! My name is Charlotte Koellner, and I am an undergraduate senior research assistant in the B.R.A.I.N. Lab. I am also the 2026-2027 academic year lab manager! I joined the lab in August 2025 and enjoyed welcoming new team members this year. I am passionate about working with adults with neurogenic communication disorders in the future, so our neuroplasticity research in the post-stroke and TBI population interests me deeply. After graduating in May 2027, I plan to attend graduate school and receive my master's degree in communication disorders. When I am not collecting data in the lab, working part-time, or in class, I enjoy reading, sculpting pottery, hanging out with my dogs, traveling with loved ones, and cooking.
Pluto LaCoss
Hi there! My name is Pluto, and I am a junior at TXST University here in Round Rock. After graduating in May of 2028, I plan to go to graduate school to become a fully licensed SLP. I want to work with voice patients, from vocal damage to gender voice therapy. However, the possibilities are endless, and I cannot wait to see where my career takes me! While I am not studying, I am doing something crafty like scrapbooking or crocheting, or learning a new tap dance routine.
Alyssa Lopez
I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Communication Disorders at Texas State University. I joined the B.R.A.I.N. Lab in Fall 2025 to further develop my research and clinical interests in speech-language pathology. As a child who experienced speech delays, I was deeply impacted by my speech-language pathologist, whose support and encouragement inspired my passion for this field. This personal experience continues to motivate my commitment to helping individuals improve their communication skills and overall quality of life. Upon graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree to become a licensed speech-language pathologist. I have a particular interest in home health settings, where I hope to provide individualized, functional support to clients in their everyday environments. In my free time, I enjoy staying active, spending time with loved ones, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Emily Naranjo Barillas
I am a junior undergraduate student majoring in Communication Disorders at Texas State University. I joined Dr. Ramanathan’s B.R.A.I.N. Lab in August 2026 and am excited to learn more about clinical practice and research. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree to become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). I have a particular interest in medical speech-language pathology and hope to work in a hospital, especially in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I am also interested in bilingualism and its role in communication development. In my free time, I enjoy arts and crafts and spending time with all my animals.
Samantha Saenz
I am an undergraduate junior majoring in Communication Disorders at Texas State University. I joined DR. Ramanathan’s B.RA.I.N. Lab in August of 2026 to gain more of an understanding of the clinical and research sides of speech-language pathology. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I plan on pursuing my master’s degree to become a speech-language pathologist. I hope to help patients in a hospital setting as a medical SLP, but I am very open and excited to experiment with other types of speech therapy. I currently volunteer for a group of home health early childhood intervention rehabilitation therapists, which includes traveling to patients homes and shadowing speech, physical, and occupational therapists. Other than speech therapy, I love cooking, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family.
JuliAnna Stevens
I am an undergraduate in the Communication Disorder program at Texas State University. I plan on obtaining my master's degree in Speech Language Pathology and want to work in pediatrics. During the summers, I spend time shadowing speech therapists in my hometown's hospitals and outpatient clinics. I also spend time volunteering at Ride on Center for Kids where I assist riders who have physical or cognitive impairments during their therapy sessions. I joined the B.R.A.I.N. lab in fall of 2025. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, and spending time outdoors.
Erica Stolz
Hello! My name is Erica! I am a leveling student who transitioned from a career in education as an elementary school teacher, where I developed a passion for helping others communicate and reach their goals! I am hoping to bring that passion to a new career and become a speech-language pathologist. I am thrilled to be a member of Dr. Ramanathan’s B.R.A.I.N. lab, where I get the opportunity to learn more about traumatic brain injuries and their impacts on people’s quality of life. I am particularly interested in investigating the environmental, logistical, and emotional barriers individuals with TBI experience in accessing the health care they need. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Dr. Ramanathan’s much-needed research in this field and to hopefully amplify the voices of individuals with TBI who share their experiences!
Emily Thompson
Emily is a junior majoring in Communication Disorders at Texas State University in Round Rock, Texas. She joined the B.R.A.I.N Lab in Fall 2025 and has really enjoyed getting involved in research. After graduating in Spring 2027, she plans to go to graduate school to earn her master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and hopes to work in a medical-pediatric setting. Outside of school, Emily loves spending time in nature, hanging out with her cat, and being with friends and family.
Micah Thompson
I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders at Texas State University. Since 2022, I have gained experience shadowing speech-language pathologists at a private speech and language clinic and Austin Speech Labs. I joined the B.R.A.I.N. Lab in August 2025 to further explore the medical and research sides of speech-language pathology. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and become a licensed speech-language pathologist. I am still exploring which setting I would like to work in and hope to continue gaining experience across different areas of the field.
Austin Valentine
My name is Austin Valentine and I’m an undergraduate student majoring in Communication Disorders at the University of Texas State. I became a member of the B.R.A.I.N Lab in Fall of 2026 and I’m eager to see what it has in store for me and how I can use it to help society. I plan on getting my Master's degree to become a licensed SLP and work with patients of all ages who have brain injuries, difficulty swallowing, and trouble with speech and language. Later in life, I would love to pursue my dream and get my doctorate in Communication Disorders. With trying to receive a new role and becoming an SLP, I want to heal the world and to become a great Speech Language Pathologist. In my free time I love going to the gym, playing video games with friends and talking to my family.
Cheyenne Walker
Hello! My name is Cheyenne Walker and I am a senior here at Texas State, majoring in Communication Disorders. After graduation in the spring, I hope to continue my education and get my masters in CDIS as well! I spent most of this past year shadowing therapists at a pediatric speech therapy clinic, which gave me a deeper insight into the depth of this field, so I am just extremely excited to keep on learning and hopefully one day be able to work full-time as an SLP! I am super interested in neurogenic communication disorders and the medical side of this field, and joining the B.R.A.I.N Lab in Fall of 2025 just solidified that interest for me! Outside of the lab, I'm usually watching a hockey game, going to concerts, going for walks, or spending time with my nieces and nephews!
Lab Alumni
The Master of Science in Communication Disorders (MSCD) and the Master of Arts (MA) in Communication Disorders residential education programs in speech-language pathology at Texas State University are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.