James Curtis, PhD, CCC-SLP

Clinical Researcher | Speech-Language Pathologist

Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Employment & Positions

Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology 

Sean Parker Institute for the Voice

Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University

New York, NY, USA 

(2022-present)


Principal Investigator/Director 

Aerodigestive Innovations Research lab (AIR)

Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University

New York, NY, USA 

(2022-present)


Adjunct Assistant Professor 

Communication Sciences and Disorders Program

Department of Biobehavioral Sciences

Teachers College, Columbia University

New York, NY, USA 

(2020-present)

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Columbia University

New York, NY, USA 


Master of Science (MS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders

New York University

New York, NY, USA


Bachelor of Music (BM) in Vocal Performance and Pre-Medical Studies

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI, USA

Fellowship Trainings

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction

Department of Biobehavioral Sciences

Columbia University

New York, NY, USA 

(2020-2022)


Post-Graduate Clinical Fellowship in Speech-Language Pathology 

UCSF Voice and Swallowing Center; UCSF Head & Neck Cancer Center

Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center

San Francisco, CA, USA

(2013-2013)

Publications

2024



Curtis, J. A., Diaz, C., Lee, T., & Rameau, A. (2024). Validation of a Low‐Cost Manometer to Assess of Tongue, Lip, Cheek, and Respiratory Strength: A Laboratory‐Based Study. The Laryngoscope. DOI:10.1002/lary.31727


Kervin, S.R., Harris, K.J., Urbano, M., Curtis, J. A. (2024). The Relationship Between Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of Clinical Terminology and Its Use in Voice Therapy with Adults. Journal of Voice. DOI:10.1016/j.voice.2024-07-030


Curtis, J.A. (2024). Endoscopic Biofeedback Training for Cough and Swallowing: The What, Why, and How. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. DOI: 10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00190


Perry, S.E., Troche, M., Huber, J.E., Curtis, J.A., Kiefer, B., Sevitz, J., Dennard, Q., Borders, J., River, J.B., Dakin, A., Gonzalez, V., Chapman, J., Wu, T., Katz, L., Britton, D. (2024). Behavioral Management of Respiratory/Phonatory Dysfunction for Dysarthria Associated with Neurodegenerative Disease: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (AJSLP). DOI: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-23-00274


2023

Curtis, J.A. , Mocchetti, V., Rameau, A. (2023). Concurrent Validity of a Low-Cost Manometer for Objective Assessments of Respiratory Muscle Strength. Laryngoscope. DOI: 10.1002/lary.31106


Curtis, J.A., Borders, J.C., Dakin, AE., Troche, M.S. (2023). Auditory-Perceptual Assessments of Cough: Characterizing Rater Reliability and the Effects of a Standardized Training Protocol. Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica. DOI: 10.1159/000533372


Curtis, J.A., Borders, J.C., Dakin, AE., Troche, M.S. (2023). Normative Reference Values for FEES and VASES: Preliminary Data from 39 Non-Dysphagic, Community-Dwelling Adults. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR). DOI: 10.1004/2023_JSLHR-23-00132


Curtis, J.A. , Mocchetti, V., Rameau, A. (2023). Concurrent Validity of the IOPI and Tongueometer Orofacial Strength Measurement Devices. Laryngoscope. DOI: 10.1002/lary.30782


Doruk, C., Curtis, J.A., Dakin, A.E., Troche, M.S. (2023). Cough and Swallowing Therapy and Their Effects on Vocal Fold Bowing and Laryngeal Lesions. Laryngoscope. DOI: 10.1002/lary.30922


Borders, J.C., Sevitz, J.M., Curtis, J.A., Vanegas-Arroyave, N., Troche, M.S. (2023). Quantifying Impairments in Swallowing Safety and Efficiency in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Parkinson's Disease. Dysphagia. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10560-7


Palte, I., Stewart, S., Rives, H., , Curtis, J.A., Enver, N., Tritter, A., Andreadis, K., Mocchetti, V., Schnoll-Sussman, F., Soumekh, A., Zarnegar, R., Katz, P., Rameau, A. (2023). Virtual Reality for Pain Management During High Resolution Manometry: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Laryngoscope. DOI: 10.1002/lary.30914


2022

Curtis, J.A., Borders, J.C., Dakin, A.E., Troche, M.S. (2022). The Role of Aspiration Amount on Airway Protective Responses in People with Neurogenic Dysphagia. Dysphagia. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10546-x


Curtis, J.A. (2022).  A "Scoping" Review and Tutorial for Developing Standardized and Transparent Protocols for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. DOI: 10.1044/2022_PERSP-22-00118


Curtis, J.A., Borders, J.C., Troche, M.S. (2022). Visual Analysis of Swallowing Efficiency and Safety (VASES): Establishing Criterion-Referenced Validity and Concurrent Validity. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. DOI: 10.1044/2021_AJSLP-21-00116


Curtis, J.A., Huber, J.E., Dakin, A.E., Troche, M.S. (2022). Effects of Bolus Holding on Respiratory-Swallow Coordination in Parkinson's Disease. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. DOI: 10.1044/2021_AJSLP-21-00044


Troche, M.S.,  Curtis, J.A., Sevitz, J.S., Dakin, A.E., Perry, S.E., Borders, J.C., Grande, A., Vanegas-Arroyave, N., Hegland, K.W. (2022). Rehabilitating Cough Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial . Movement Disorders. DOI: 10.1002/mds.29268


Sevitz, J.S., Perry, S.E., Borders, J.C., Dakin, A.E., Curtis, J.A., Troche, M.S. (2022). The Relationship Between Lingual Strength and Functional Swallowing Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease. Dysphagia. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10543-0



2021

Curtis, J.A., Borders, J.C., Perry, S.E., Dakin, A.E., Seikaly, Z.N., Troche, M.S. (2021). Visual analysis of Swallowing Efficiency and Safety (VASES): A standardized approach to rating pharyngeal residue, penetration, and aspiration during FEES. Dysphagia. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10293-5


Curtis, J.A., Seikaly, Z., Dakin A., Troche, M.S. (2021). Detection of Aspiration, Penetration, and Pharyngeal Residue During Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing: Comparing the Effects of Color, Coating, and Opacity. Dysphagia, 36(2), 207-215. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-020-10131-0


Curtis, J.A., Laus, J., Schneider, S.M., Troche, M.S. (2021). Examining the Relationships of Lingual Strength, Perihyoid Strength, and Swallowing Kinematics in Dysphagic Adults: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 64(2), 405-416. DOI: 10.1044/2020_JSLHR-20-00143


Borders, J. C., Sevitz, J. S., Curtis, J. A., Vanegas‐Arroyave, N., & Troche, M. S. (2021). Sensorimotor Cough Dysfunction Is Prevalent and Pervasive in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Movement Disorders, 36(11), 2624-2633


Borders, J. C., Curtis, J. A., Sevitz, J. S., Vanegas-Arroyave, N., & Troche, M. S. (2021). Immediate Effects of Sensorimotor Training in Airway Protection (smTAP) on Cough Outcomes in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Feasibility Study. Dysphagia, 1-10.


Enver, N., Borders, J.C., Curtis, J.A., Sevitz, J.M., Vanegas, N.., Troche, M.S. (2021). The Role of Vocal Fold Bowing on Cough and Swallowing Dysfunction in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Laryngoscope, 131(6), 1217-1222.  DOI: 10.1002/larry.28885



2020

Curtis, J.A., Seikaly, Z., Troche, M. S. (2020). Respiratory-Swallow Coordination Training Improves Swallowing Safety and Efficiency in a Person with Anoxic Brain Injury. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 29(4), 1965-1975. DOI: 10.1044/2020_AJSLP-20-00095


Curtis, J.A., Dakin, A., Troche, M.S. (2020). Respiratory-Swallow Coordination Training and Voluntary Cough Skill Training in a Person with Parkinson’s Disease: A Single-Subject Treatment Study. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 63(3), 1-15. DOI: 10.1044/2019_JSLHR-19-00207


Curtis, J.A., Troche, M.S. (2020). Effects of Verbal Cueing on Respiratory-Swallow Patterning, Lung Volume at Swallow Initiation, and Swallow Apnea Duration in Parkinson’s Disease. Dysphagia, 35(3), 460-470. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-10050-9


Curtis, J.A., Molfenter, S.M., Troche, M.S. (2020). Pharyngeal Area Changes in Parkinson’s Disease and Its Effect on Swallowing Safety, Efficiency, and Kinematics. Dysphagia, 35(2), 389-398. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-10052-7


Curtis, J.A., Molfenter, S.M., Troche, M.S. (2020). Predictors of Residue and Airway Invasion in Parkinson’s Disease. Dysphagia, 35(2), 220-230. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-10014-z


Curtis, J.A. and Troche, M.S (2020). Handheld Cough Testing (HCT): A Novel Tool for Cough Assessment and Dysphagia Screening in Parkinson’s Disease. Dysphagia, 35(6), 993-1000. DOI: 10.1007/s00455-020-10097-z  



2019

Curtis, J.A., Perry, S.E., Troche, M.S. (2019). Detection of Airway Invasion During Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing: Comparing Barium, Blue Dye, and Green Dye. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 28(2), 515-520. DOI: 10.1044/2018_AJSLP-18-0119


Curtis, J.A., Langenstein, J., Troche, M.S., Laus, J., & Schneider, S.M. (2019). Open Mouth-Maximal Isometric Press (OM-MIP): Development and Norms for Clinical Swallowing Evaluations and Treatment. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 28(1), 148-154. DOI: 10.1044/2018_AJSLP-18-0137


Yiu, Y., Curtis, J.A., Perry, S.E., Troche, M. (2019). Relationship of Vocal Fold Atrophy to Swallowing Safety and Cough Function in Parkinson’s Disease. The Laryngoscope, 130(2), 303-308. DOI: 10.1002/lary.28158



2018

Curtis, J.A., Langenstein, J.R., & Schneider, S.M. (2018). Superior and Anterior Hyoid Displacement During Swallowing in Non-Dysphagic Individuals. Dysphagia, 33(5), 602-609 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-018-9878-7)


Perry, S., Sevitz, J., Curtis, J.A., Kuo S-H., & Troche, M. (2018). Skill-Training Resulted in Improved Swallowing in a Person with Multiple System Atrophy: An Endoscopy Study. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 4(5), 451-452. DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12628



2017

Chang, J., Schneider, S., Curtis, J.A., Langenstein, J., & Yung, K. (2017). Outcomes of Medialization Laryngoplasty with and without Arytenoid Adduction. The Laryngoscope, 127(11), 2591-2595. DOI: 10.1002/lary.26773



2016

Curtis, J.A., Laus, J., Yung, K., & Courey, M. (2016). Static Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (SEES): Transoral Rigid Endoscopy During Clinical Swallow Evaluations. The Laryngoscope, 126(10), 2291-2294. DOI: 10.1002/lary.25828

Non-Peer Reviewed Book Chapters

Curtis, J.A. “The role of stimulability testing and voice therapy for patients with large benign vocal fold lesions.” Branski, R., & Molfenter, S. (Eds.). Speech-Language Pathology Casebook (2019). New York, NY: Thieme Publishers.


Curtis, J.A. “Hoot-n-Hollar: A Flow Phonation & Resonant Voice Exercise.” Leborgne, W.D., & Rosenberg, M. The Vocal Athlete Workbook: Application and Technique for the Hybrid Singer, Second Edition (2019). San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.


Curtis, J.A. “Hoot-n-Hollar: A Flow Phonation & Resonant Voice Exercise.” Leborgne, W.D., & Rosenberg, M. The Vocal Athlete Workbook: Application and Technique for the Hybrid Singer, First Edition (2014). San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.

Teaching Experience

Assessment and Intervention of Dysphagia (BBSQ 5130)

Teachers College, Columbia University

Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017


Voice Disorders (BBSQ 5113)

Teachers College, Columbia University

Fall 2022, Summer 2022, Fall 2021, Summer 2021, Fall 2020, Summer 2020


Clinical Speech Pathology Practice in the Medical Setting (BBS 5199)

Teachers College, Columbia University

Fall 2019

Scholarships & Grants

Award: Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Parkinson's Disease 

Funding Sources: American Brain Foundation and the Parkinson's Foundation in collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology

Purpose: Postdoctoral Fellowship Training

Date: 2020-2022


Award: CAPCSD PhD Scholarship

Funding Source: Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD)

Purpose: Doctoral Dissertation Scholarship

Date: 2020


Award: New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship

Funding Source: ASHFoundation

Purpose: Doctoral Studies Training

Date: 2018


Award: Doctoral Fellowship Award 

Funding Source: Teachers College, Columbia University

Purpose: Doctoral Studies Training

Date: 2016-2020

Awards

Award: New Investigator's Award

Awarding Body: Dysphagia Research Society

Date: 2020


Award: Research Dissertation Award

Awarding Body: Teachers College, Columbia University

Date: 2020


Award: Distinguished Research Award in Dysphagia

Awarding Body: American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Date: 2019


Award: Junior Investigator Award

Awarding Body: Dysphagia Research Society

Date: 2019