Michelle R Ciucci, PhD
Professor
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
ciucci@surgery.wisc.edu
(608) 263-0192
1300 University Ave
MC 1509
Madison, WI 53706
Education
- PhD, Speech and Hearing Science & Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ
Research Interests
Dr. Ciucci’s research interests focus on the neurobiological and behavioral underpinnings of cranial sensorimotor control. She is currently exploring the effects of degenerative neurologic disease-induced deficits on voice, speech, and swallowing (oromotor function) using both clinical and basic science methods. Her clinical studies on swallowing focus on the fine motor skills required to generate subtle changes in pressure generation during the pharyngeal stage of swallowing, considering the influence of disease state, therapy, and medications on these processes. She also studies Parkinson disease to examine the impact of early sensorimotor training approaches on functional improvement of vocalization and swallow behaviors, as well as the underlying neural substrates of exercise-induced brain changes. She explores how anti-Parkinson medications influence complex sensorimotor enrichment outcomes. Dr. Ciucci believes understanding these processes will lead to better treatments and functional outcomes for patients with Parkinson disease and other neurologic disorders.
Recent Publications
Tongue and Laryngeal Exercises Improve Tongue Strength and Vocal Function Outcomes in a Pink1-/- Rat Model of Early Parkinson Disease.
Broadfoot CK, Hoffmeister JD, Lechner SA, Krasko MN, Lambert E, Russell JA, Szot JC, Glass TJ, Connor NP, Kelm-Nelson CA, Ciucci MR
Behav Brain Res 2023 Nov 17; 114754
[PubMed ID: 37981125]Dysphagia in Parkinson Disease: Part I - Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Practices.
Rudisch DM, Krasko MN, Burdick R, Broadfoot CK, Rogus-Pulia N, Ciucci MR
Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 2023 Jun; 11(2): 176-187
[PubMed ID: 37608845]Pink1-/- Rats Demonstrate Swallowing and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in a Model of Prodromal Parkinson Disease.
Krasko MN, Szot J, Lungova K, Rowe LM, Leverson G, Kelm-Nelson CA, Ciucci MR
Dysphagia 2023 Oct; 38(5): 1382-1397
[PubMed ID: 36949296]Changes in ultrasonic vocalizations after unilateral cerebral ischemia in a rat stroke model.
Cullins MJ, Lenell C, Ciucci MR, Connor NP
Behav Brain Res 2023 Feb 15; 439: 114252
[PubMed ID: 36496078]Effects of Food and Liquid Properties on Swallowing Physiology and Function in Adults.
Peña-Chávez RE, Schaen-Heacock NE, Hitchcock ME, Kurosu A, Suzuki R, Hartel RW, Ciucci MR, Rogus-Pulia NM
Dysphagia 2023 Jun; 38(3): 785-817
[PubMed ID: 36266521]