Gray Matter Lab Team Members
Graduate Students
Semira Embaye
Education
- 2027 M.S Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Francisco State University
- 2025 B.S in Communication Science and Disorders, California State University Fullerton
Research Interests
The vast opportunity for learning within the field of speech-language pathology has always interested me. Being able to work with a wide range of ages in a variety of settings and learning from everyone I meet is very important to me. As a Black woman, I often find myself in academic, professional, and everyday settings where I don't see many people who look like me. Through the Gray Matter Lab, it gives me the opportunity to learn alongside Black adults with aphasia, while also being the representation we so often don't see in these spaces. In this role, I can contribute to creating a safe, welcoming environment where they Black adults with aphasia are seen, supported and can express themselves freely.
Camryn Hissen
Education
- 2027 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Francisco State University
- 2024 Leveling courses in Speech-Language Pathology, San Diego State University
- 2025 B.S. in Biology, University of San Francisco
Research Interests
I am a first-year graduate student who has been helping to facilitate the English Conversation Club for the year prior to starting my master's program. I have also helped transcribe for the research project on the experiences of Black adults with aphasia. I am passionate about culturally responsive practice in the field of speech and language pathology, specifically for clients with aphasia. I am excited to continue facilitating the English Conversation Club, helping to build community and strengthen conversation skills, as well as learning to be a strong SLP.
Arai Macias
Education
- 2027 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Francisco State University
- 2023 Post-Baccalaureate Program in Speech-Language Pathology California State University San Marcos
- 2018 Multisubject Teaching Credential Sonoma State University
- 2017 BA Liberal Arts Sonoma State University
Research Interests:
As a first generation Mexican-American, I am interested in meeting the needs of the Latinx community across all ages. Being an elementary school teacher, I saw the need for speech services in younger children. Now, I co-facilitate the Spanish Communication Club at the Gray Matter Lab and hope to gain more knowledge and experience working with adults. My goal is to help facilitate engaging and equitable communication.
Ely Ramirez Pablo
Education
- 2027 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Francisco State University
- 2025 B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences; Double Minor in Counseling and Education, San Francisco State University
Research Interests:
I am a Spanish-English bilingual graduate student. I joined the Gray Matter Lab to explore the intersection of research and aphasia within the field of speech-language pathology. I currently serve as a research assistant for the BAbSANT project and as a co-facilitator for the Spanish Conversation Club. These experiences have allowed me to connect with Spanish-speaking adults with aphasia and support their growth in language, communication, and engagement in everyday life experiences.
Arissa Melaine Alfaro Ventura
Education
- 2027 M.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. San Francisco State University
- 2025 B.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Francisco State University
- 2023 A.A. Liberal Arts - Arts and Letters at De Anza College
Research Interests:
Language and its integral ties to one's identity has always fascinated me. I am drawn to the field of speech and language pathology because the ability to communicate and be understood is a fundamental aspect for existence and participating in a community. In the Gray Matter Lab, I am part of the Tagalog-English translanguaging AbSANT Project. I am a Filipino immigrant and language use and experience is key to my daily interactions. Thus, working on a mixed language project such as translanguaging AbSANT is fulfilling. I know firsthand how translanguaging in therapy has the potential to improve quality of life for Tagalog-English people with aphasia.
Undergraduate
Aleena Bangloy
Education
- 2026 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Research Interests:
INFORMATION TO COME
Emma Holland
Education:
- 2026 B.S. Candidate; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences & Molecular Biology, San Francisco State University
Research Interests:
Though I originally have a background in molecular biology, I decided to pursue a career in speech language pathology while working at a functional academic school for autistic children. My goal as a future clinician is to help neurodivergent kids develop their skills of self-advocacy and interpersonal connection. I’m also interested in researching the neurophysiological mechanisms of language acquisition and social communication in neurodivergent populations. I’m currently a co-facilitator for the English Conversation Club in the Gray Matter Lab.
Melissa Facunda Rocha
Education
- 2027 B.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences; Minor in Special Education, San Francisco State University
- 2024 A.A in Psychology, Spanish, and Liberal Studies with Emphasis in Interdisciplinary Studies, Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz, CA
Research Interests
I joined the Gray Matter lab because I wanted to expand my experience to include aphasia. I love connecting with people and learning with them, which is why I enjoy co-facilitating the English Conversation Club and Spanish Conversation Club.
Sophia Zehner
Education
- 2027 B.S. Candidate in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences
- 2025 A.S. in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Modesto Junior College
Research Interests
INFORMATION TO COME