About Us

Pradeep Ramanathan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Dr. Ramanathan 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.

Kassandra Candanoza

Kassandra is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Texas State University, Round Rock. She joined B.R.A.I.N Lab in the spring of 2024. After graduation, Kassandra plans to continue her education and gain her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Her goal is to specialize in working with young and elderly clients with apraxia, aphasia, and traumatic brain injuries. She has continued her passion of caring for others, dedicating her time volunteering at speech clinics and at the Austin Humane Society. Kassandra is currently a volunteer at Austin Speech Labs, a non-profit organization working to provide affordable and intensive speech therapy to stroke survivors. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, trying different recipes, and playing volleyball. 

Addie Chavana

Addie is an undergrad student at Texas State Round Rock- Campus studying to become a Speech Language Pathologist . She joined B.R.A.I.N lab in the fall of 2023 and has loved it ever since. She finds passion in caring for others . You can typically find Addie going for a run at any park, at the gym, hanging out with her friends and especially eating at her favorite restaurant Chick-Fil-A.

Mackenzie Finch

Mackenzie received her undergraduate degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin in Fall of 2022. She found a love for communication during a year-long exchange program in Belgium after high school. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Mackenzie began working with children struggling with speech and language delays in a private school setting and gained her SLP Assistant license the following year. She now works at an outpatient pediatric clinic. This has interested her in how specific treatments can increase neuroplasticity in individuals struggling with various speech and language disorders. Mackenzie joined the BRAIN Lab in the summer of 2024, and will be a first year graduate student at Texas State University starting Fall 2024. She is very excited to get started! When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with friends, studying languages and taking care of her plants.

Chloe Hobbs

Chloe is an undergraduate student who joined the B.R.A.I.N. Lab in the fall of 2023. She is majoring in Communication Disorders and minoring in Psychology, she will graduate in May of 2025. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Masters in Communication Disorders to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading a book, running, kayaking, and spending as much time outside as she can.

Autumn Kashin

Autumn is an undergrad student at Texas State University - Roundrock Campus. She joined the B.R.A.I.N. lab fall of 2023 and is working on becoming a licensed Speech Pathologist. She loves working with people and hopes to start shadowing in clinics Summer of 2024. She is passionate about helping others in any way she can. She loves animals, exercising, and being outdoors.

Victoria Ledesma-Amaro

Victoria is an undergraduate junior majoring in Communication Disorders at Texas State University at the Round Rock Campus.  She became a member of the B.R.A.I.N. lab Fall of 2024 and is eager to learn more about it.  Following graduation, she plans to pursue a Master's degree in Communication Disorders to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.  She enjoys working with and helping others.  Victoria is eager to start shadowing SLP's this coming year.  In her free time, Victoria loves spending time with family and friends, shopping, and drinking coffee!

Macie Stewart

Macie is a junior in the Communication Disorders undergrad program at Texas State University - Round Rock Campus. She joined the B.R.A.I.N. Lab in the Fall of 2023. She is studying to become a Speech Language Pathologist, in hopes of working with children. Her aspiration to specialize in pediatric care stems from her desire to support children in overcoming communication challenges. Outside of school, Macie is either at the gym where she coaches a club volleyball team or working with a local wedding florist.

Brianna Trask

Brianna is currently majoring in Communication Disorders at Texas State University.  Brianna plans on getting a Master's degree, to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.  In the summer of 2024, Brianna shadowed two SLP's in both clinical and school settings and hopes to intern for the following summer to gain more experience.  Brianna joined the B.R.A.I.N. lab in the Fall of 2024.  In her free time, Brianna loves to get coffee out with friends and go shopping.

Sierra Vincent

Sierra is an undergraduate junior majoring in Communication Disorders at Texas State University in Round Rock.  Sierra decided to join the B.R.A.I.N. lab in Fall 2024.  After graduating with her Bachelor's degree, she plans to obtain her Master's degree in order to become a Speech Language Pathologitst and work with children.  Sierra enjoys being around animals, playing tennis, reading, and watching shows in her downtime.

Ellie Wilcox

Ellie is a junior undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Communication Disorders at Texas State University.  She became a member of B.R.A.I.N. lab in the Fall 2024.  Upon graduation, Ellie plans to pursue a master's degree to become a licensed speech-language pathologist.  She has a particular interest in working with pediatric populations.  Ellie is a passionate about supporting the developmental needs of children.  She currently works at a daycare where she gains valuable experience.  In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and engaging in outdoor activities.

Sammie Young

Sammie is a third-year undergraduate student at Texas State University majoring in Communication Disorders.  She joined the B.R.A.I.N. lab in the Fall 2024.  She hopes to one day become a Speech Language Pathologist.  She wants to work in a hospital or a rehab facility, helping people who have had some sort of brain injury that affects their communication to improve their lives.  Sammie is very interested in the brain and has enjoyed learning about it since she was a kid and is excited to get to learn more as she continues her education.  Other than school, Sammie enjoys going thrifting with her best friend, watching a new TV show, crocheting, and hanging out with her fluffy cat, Winston.

                               Click the button below to view more photos by the B.R.A.I.N. Lab members!

Andrea Cervera Diaz

Andrea is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Communication Disorders at Texas State University with hopes of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist. In the fall of 2023, she became a member of the B.R.A.I.N. Lab, where she has been immersed in the world of behavioral research and gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the brain. Her passion lies in understanding the complexities of the brain, particularly its role in speech and language development. She finds it fascinating to explore how the brain continues to function even after injury, and her enthusiasm drives her constant quest for knowledge in this field. Outside of school, she will likely be found at home catching up on some much-needed sleep or at a local coffee shop, savoring a good cup of coffee.