Ulrika Löfkvist

Number of Completed supervisions as principal supervisor: 1

Ongoing supervisors as principal supervisor: Ingrid Hedström, Anette Michel Sandström

Number of Completed supervisions as co-supervisor:

Ongoing supervisors as co-supervisor: Karolina Falkenius Schmidt, Jonas Fogels

My research focuses on understanding the factors that shape language, cognitive, communicative, and psychosocial development in individuals with hearing loss across the lifespan. By investigating the interplay between hearing loss etiology, language environments, family factors, comorbidity, and healthcare interventions, I seek to explain the considerable variability in outcomes observed within this heterogeneous population. The ultimate goal is to generate knowledge that can improve prevention, rehabilitation, participation, and quality of life for individuals with hearing and their families.

My work explores the interplay between etiology, early language environments, family characteristics, cognitive development, neurodevelopmental conditions, and healthcare interventions. Areas of particular interest include language development and processing, semantics, executive functioning, parent-child interaction, communication and listening environments, cochlear implantation, unilateral hearing loss, and congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection.

I am also interested in how interventions can modify communication environments and support optimal development. Using approaches ranging from Language environment Analysis (LENA) and longitudinal cohort studies to qualitative research and implementation science, I investigate pathways to improve prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, and family-centered care.

Qualitative research forms an important part of my work, contributing to a deeper understanding of quality of life, participation, lived experiences, and the everyday challenges face by children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by hearing loss.

I am passionate about connecting research, clinical practice, and education. I currently teach primarily at the undergraduate and specialist-training levels, including courses in disability, listening and spoken language, hearing loss, rehabilitation, and scientific methodology for speech-language pathology students and medical specialist trainees.

My teaching combines supervision, curriculum development, educational leadership, and mentorship of both students and clinicians. I supervise master's and PhD students, have developed new courses and educational initiatives, including an advanced-level course on disability studies at Uppsala University, and have contributed to the development of innovative learning environments as the Oslo Learning Lab at the University of Oslo. I am also leading a PUMA-funded project developing AI-based avatar simulations for speech-language pathology education. I strive to promote critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and the integration of research into clinical and educational settings. In 2026, I was awarded the title Excellent Teacher at Uppsala University in recognition of my pedagogical expertise, educational leadership, and contributions to higher education.