Hanna Steurer

Degree of doctor of Philosophy, Karolinska Institutet, 2025
Professional degree in Speech and language Pathology, Karolinska Institutet 2017

Research preparatory courses in physiology and pharmacology (advanced level), Karolinska Institutet 2011

Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine, Karolinska Institutet 2010

I am a speech-language pathologist and researcher specializing in communication disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease. I have clinical expertise in neurological rehabilitation and hold a position as a speech-language pathologist at Stockholms Sjukhem. My research focuses on the assessment and treatment of speech and communication impairments, with particular interests in person-centered interventions, statistical modelling, and data-driven approaches to communication disorders.

I completed my PhD at Karolinska Institutet, investigating dysarthria in Parkinson’s disease using acoustic and perceptual speech analysis, neuropsychological assessments, neuroimaging, and advanced statistical modelling. I also led research evaluating the effectiveness of HiCommunication, a group-based intervention targeting speech and communication, in a randomized controlled trial.

My postdoctoral research at The University of Melbourne, Australia, focuses on the early detection and monitoring of communication impairments in Parkinson’s disease using artificial intelligence. By integrating acoustic, linguistic, clinical, and patient-reported data, my work aims to develop tools that support earlier identification, personalized care, and improved communication outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

In addition, I serve as a member of the Motor Speech Committee of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP), contributing to international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of motor speech disorders.

Lecturer at the Speech and Language Pathology programme.