Loncke Lab at the University of Virginia
Minspeak Lab
Minspeak is a method of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) designed primarily for individuals who are unable to effectively use natural speech due to disabilities or disorders. Developed by Bruce Baker in the 1980s, Minspeak allows users to communicate complex ideas quickly with a minimal number of keystrokes or selections. Instead of spelling out words letter by letter, Minspeak uses a system of "semantic compaction" where icons represent words, phrases, or concepts, and combinations of these icons can generate extensive vocabulary and sentences. This approach utilizes pictorial symbols programmed into speech-generating devices (SGDs), enabling users to engage in conversation, express their thoughts, and participate more fully in social interactions with greater efficiency and less physical strain than traditional letter-based AAC systems.
In a series of experiments, since 2016, we have analyzed the processes that learners adopt when familiarizing themselves with the use of Minspeak. Our attention is most especially on questions related to universality of message generating across modalities. More specifically we start from the hypothesis that users of Minspeak display similarities in their message generating with the micro-genesis of speech, as described by psycholinguists such as Levelt.
Meet the Team
Cami Lord
Graduate Student
My name is Cami Lord and I serve as the graduate assistant for the "Minspeak Lab". I am original from Delaware and obtained my Bachelor's Degree from The University of Delaware in May of 2022. Currently, I am a second-year graduate student studying Speech-Language Pathology. One of my areas of interest is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which is part of the reason I love working in the lab. We focus on the motor and cognitive processing that goes into "Minspeak" ( a type of high-tech AAC) acquisition and mastery. The goal of the lab is to help refine the techniques used in teaching someone how to use an AAC device so that it is best suited to the client. I have worked in the lab since August of 2022 and am looking forward to continuing to watch the lab grow!
Undergraduate Assistants
Undergraduate Researcher
Luisa Bertolini
My name is Luisa Bertolini and I am a fourth year majoring in Linguistics and Cognitive Science and minoring in French. I am from Vienna, VA but spent my childhood living in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.
Undergraduate Researcher
Mallory Muilenburg
My name is Mallory Muilenburg and I am from Fredericksburg, VA. I am a third year majoring in Cognitive Science and Psychology.
Undergraduate Researcher
Mackenzie Pacquing
My name is Mackenzie Pacquing and I am currently working for the Minspeak Lab with Dr. Loncke and Cami Lord.
Undergraduate Researcher
Thomas Homan
Hey! I'm Thomas Homan, a fourth year majoring in psychology. Outside of school I love playing games and watching movies. I'm a huge Godzilla fan and I'm currently on the One Piece grind.
Undergraduate Researcher
Ella Kielmeyer
My name is Ella Kielmeyer and I am a fourth year Pre-Health student, Psychology major, and Batten minor in Leadership and Public Policy. I am working in Dr. Loncke's Minspeak Lab this year as part of my Distinguished Majors Program in Psychology. For my project, I am looking into the cognitive and motor processes involved in learning to use Minspeak, which is an augmentative and alternative communication platform!
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Undergraduate Researcher
Margaux Reppert
My name is Margaux Reppert and I'm a Fourth Year student double majoring in Global Public Health and Chinese on the pre-med track. I have been working with Dr. Loncke in the Minspeak lab for several semesters so far, and am looking forward to seeing what we accomplish in the future!
Undergraduate Researcher
Andrea Marchese
Hello, my name is Andrea Marchese. I am currently 19 years old, and I'm excited to join the Minspeaks/AAC lab. I was adopted at the age of 22 months and received a lot of speech therapy to help me be able to communicate where I am today. What the Minspeak/AAC Lab looks at has piqued my interest as its goals are to help benefit those who are unable to communicate their words to the best ability. A fun fact would be that I have done and worked with gymnasts since the age of three.
Undergraduate Researcher
Ismat Kahn
Hi! My name is Ismat Khan and I’m currently a third-year majoring in Biology. Linguistics has recently piqued my interest after taking one of Dr. Loncke’s classes, so the Minspeak Lab will be exciting to research AAC through!