Giselle Carnaby, MPH, PhD, CCC-SLP, F-ASHA
Giselle Carnaby, MPH, PhD, CCC-SLP, F-ASHA
A-Honors, is a Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where she focuses on the rehabilitation of swallowing disorders resulting from Parkinson’s Disease, stroke and head/neck cancer. Her expertise spans research epidemiology, biostatistics, and neurology, and she has contributed extensively to dysphagia research trials. Dr. Carnaby is the author of the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) and its cancer-specific version, MASA-C, which are widely used clinical tools for assessing swallowing function. Her work has established her as a pioneer in the field of dysphagia, earning recognition as a Fellow and Honors of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and as an American Cancer Society Research Scholar. She has also been honored with multiple awards for teaching excellence and research innovation throughout her career.
Over the course of more than 30 years, Dr. Carnaby has conducted groundbreaking clinical research in upper aerodigestive function, leading interdisciplinary studies that combine insights from oncology, dentistry, neurology, gerontology, and respiratory medicine. She has developed numerous first-of-their-kind interventions, including the McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP), one of the earliest rehabilitative programs using swallowing as an exercise, and the Swallowing Kinesiophobia Scale (SWKS) for patients at risk of dysphagia after head/neck cancer treatment. Her research has also advanced the use of innovative assessment techniques, such as the Calculated VideoFluoroscopic Examination (C-VFE), and she has patented methods for early detection of swallowing difficulties in vulnerable populations.
In addition to her mechanistic research, Dr. Carnaby has focused on improving patient outcomes through prehabilitation and rehabilitation strategies. She conducted the first clinical trial on dysphagia in acute stroke patients and the first prophylactic intervention trials for those undergoing treatment for head/neck cancer. Her work has clarified the natural history and outcomes of swallowing dysfunction and explored the underlying mechanisms through T2-weighted MRI, surface EMG, videofluoroscopy, manometry, and biokinematic measurements. Currently, she continues her innovative research as the director of the Upper Aerodigestive Functions Research Laboratory at UTHealth San Antonio, developing predictive algorithms for early identification of occult dysphagia and preventative interventions for community-dwelling older adults and patients with Parkinson’s disease.
• Curtin University of Technology, - B.Sc.
• Curtin University of Technology - Post. Grad Dip.
• Curtin University of Technology - MPH
• Curtin University of Technology - PhD
• Excellence in Teaching Award (UTHSCSA) School of Health Professions. - 2024
• Excellence in Teaching Award (UTHSCSA) School of Health Professions. - 2023
• Excellence in Teaching Award (UTHSCSA) School of Health Professions. - 2022
• Excellence in Teaching (EOT) - 2021
• Honors of the Association, American Speech Language Association (ASHA) - 2020
• Technology Innovator Award, University of Florida - 2015
• Technology Innovator Award, University of Florida - 2014
• Outstanding Oral Presentation Award, Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) - 2014
• Clinician of the Year, Florida Speech Language & Hearing Association - 2013
• Faculty Incentive Award: Outstanding Research Contributions, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida - 2012
• Faculty Incentive Award: Outstanding Teaching Contributions, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida - 2012
• Research Investigator Award, Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. - 2012
• Deans Paper Citation Award, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida - 2011
• Yul Brenner Award for Cancer Related Research, Dysphagia Research Society - 2010
• Faculty Incentive Award: Outstanding Research Contributions, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida - 2010
• Lifetime American Cancer Society Research Scholar, American Cancer Society - 2006
• New Investigator award, Dysphagia Research Society - 2003
• New Investigator award, ASHA Special Interest Division 13 - 2001
• “Geoff Blee Award” -Excellence in Research, Australian Brain Foundation - 1996
• “Peter Bladin Award” -Young Investigator of the Year Award, Stroke Society of Australasia - 1996
• Recognition of Service Award For Excellence in Clinical Research, Australian Association of Speech & Hearing - 1996
• Young Investigators Award, Australian Brain Foundation - 1995
• American Speech Language Association - Fellow
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mentor, Professor Graham Hankey (Neurologist), from whom I learned so much during my early career in Australia. His guidance shaped my path in research and taught me how to approach scientific inquiry from the ground up. Over the years, I have continued to build on that foundation, currently mentoring 12 PhD students, advancing swallowing disorders research, and contributing to Parkinson’s disease studies. My academic background, including both a Master’s degree and a PhD from Australia, has been instrumental in supporting this journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to believe in myself. That simple yet powerful encouragement has guided me through challenges and helped me pursue ambitious goals in research, teaching, and clinical innovation. Believing in my abilities has been essential in navigating the complexities of interdisciplinary research and leading projects with real-world impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women entering the field today, my advice is clear: you can achieve anything through hard work and perseverance. Never give up, even when obstacles seem daunting. I want to inspire the next generation to pursue their passions, persist through challenges, and understand that dedication and resilience are the keys to long-term success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Convincing the general public that scientists and science is credible, trustworthy, and that scientists work hard to ensure validity and credibility of their work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I deeply value the integration of personal and professional pursuits. Currently, my research is supported by a $2 million grant from the Department of Defense, focused on advancing understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This work exemplifies my commitment to impactful research that bridges scientific discovery and real-world health outcomes, while continuing to mentor and empower others in the field.
Locations
UT Health San Antonio
Orlando, FL 32816