Dr. Maria J
Associate Professor
About
Dr. Maria J, presently an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech – Language Pathology and the UG Course Co-ordinator at MERF-ISH has an experience of over 10+ years in the field. Her major area of interest lies in the field of Discourse Analysis in various Communication Disorders, exploring innovative teaching methods and developing Indianized Assessment materials, Intervention manuals and Tele-Therapy Materials.
About
Work Experience
2021
Associate Professor / UG Course Coordinator – MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing
November 2021 – Till Date
● Present
November 2021 – Till Date
2019
Assistant Professor / Clinical In-charge – MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing
2019 – November 2021
2019 – November 2021
2016
Speech Language Pathologist – Chitra Speech & Hearing Clinic
2016
2016
2013
Lecturer / Clinical Coordinator – MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing
2013 – 2015
2013 – 2015
Research Projects Guided
- Investigating Discourse Abilities in Children with Cochlear Implantation: A Mixed Methods Approach (2023)
- Neural Reflections: Can Mirror Neuron Rehabilitation Enhance Verbal Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder? (2023)
- Storytelling vs Story Dramatization: Their Relative Impact on Story Comprehension in Preschool Children (2023)
Scientific Paper Presentations/Awards
- Amirtha Varshini M J & Maria J. "Opportunities and challenges in the livelihood of a person with MD – Public view". International Conference on Multiple Disability, Chennai, 21–22 February 2020. Best Paper Award.
- Amirtha Varshini M J & Maria J. "Vocational training services and post training opportunities for PWD – A parental outlook". International Conference on Multiple Disability, Chennai, 21–22 February 2020.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Prashanth. "Highlighting the provision and facilities provided by employers for persons with differential ability in children". International Conference on Multiple Disability, Chennai, 21–22 February 2020.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Ilakiya. "Providing job opportunities for persons with MD – Attitude and perception of employers". International Conference on Multiple Disability, Chennai, 21–22 February 2020.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Hiranmayi. "Independent living and sustainable development in children with MD – Parental perspective". International Conference on Multiple Disability, Chennai, 21–22 February 2020. Best Poster Award.
- Amirtha Varshini M J & Maria J. "Development of phonological awareness skills in Tamil". HCC FLASH Series V, Holy Cross College, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020. Best Paper Award.
- Amirtha Varshini M J & Maria J. "Efficacy of intervention program to improve phonological sensitivity skills in below average scholastic performers". HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020. Second Best Paper Award.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Prashanth. "Concept of spoken word and rhyming skills in cochlear implantees". HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Akshay. "Syllable awareness in children with language learning disability". HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020. Best Poster Award.
- Amirtha Varshini M J & Maria J. "Development of ambiguity in bilinguals". HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Naren. "Understanding language learning disability – A comparative study among teachers of various boards of education". HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Kaushika. "Narrative discourse in children with hearing impairment". HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020. Third Best Poster Award.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Prashanth. "Homonym and homophone in children with language learning disability". HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020.
- Amirtha Varshini M J, Maria J & Prashanth. "Ambiguity resolution in children with hearing impairment". HCC FLASH Series V, Trichy, 5–7 March 2020.
- Maria J. "Macro linguistic and micro linguistic performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease – A comparison based on duration after onset" [Virtual conference presentation]. 17th International Conference on Neurology and Spine Disorders – SciTech Central Neurology 2021, April 2021.
- Maria J. "Discourse analysis in individuals with Parkinson's disease" [Virtual E-Poster]. 4th Asia Oceanian Congress of Neuro Rehabilitation (AOCNR 2021), 6–8 August 2021.
- Maria J. "Knowledge about dysphagia among geriatrics". HCC FLASH Series VI – Elucidating the Diversity in Assessment and Management of Dysphagia, Holy Cross College, Trichy, 10–12 November 2022. II Best Poster Award.
- Maria J. "A comprehensive case report on psychogenic dysphagia". HCC FLASH Series VI, Trichy, 10–12 November 2022.
- Maria J. "Symptoms of dysphagia in individuals with Parkinson's disease across various post onset duration". HCC FLASH Series VI, Trichy, 10–12 November 2022.
- Maria J. "Macrostructural and microstructural performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease – A comparison based on post onset duration" [Webinar presentation]. 2nd International Webinar on Dementia and Dementia Care – Scientex Conferences, 14 November 2022.
International Conference on Multiple Disability – SWASTIK TRUST, National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities & ACS Medical College, Chennai, 21st–22nd February 2020
HCC FLASH Series V – Holy Cross College, Trichy, 5th–7th March 2020
Online CRE Program on Recent Trends in Hearing Restoration – MERF ISH (P) Ltd in association with MERF (P) Ltd, 16th May 2020
Tele Rehabilitation to Meet Speech and Language Needs in Children – Vinayaka Mission Research Foundation, Puducherry, 11th June 2020 [Webinar]
Webinar on Aphasia and Allied Disorders to Autism Spectrum Disorders – Indian Speech and Hearing Association Special Interest Group, 14th June 2020
HEARRING Online Round Table Discussion – "Audiology Services During COVID-19" – MERF ISH (P) Ltd in association with MERF (P) Ltd and HEARRING Group, 26th June 2020
Case Presentations for Assessment and Management of ANSD – Indian Speech and Hearing Association Special Interest Group, 27th June 2020 [Webinar]
Challenges for Aphasia Management in India – Indian Speech and Hearing Association Special Interest Group, 28th June 2020 [Webinar]
UNLEASH – Series II: An Overview on the Assessment and Management of Dysphagia – Holy Cross College, Trichy, 30th June 2020 [Webinar]
Webinar on Aphasia Recovery – Indian Speech and Hearing Association Special Interest Group, 7th July 2020
Using AVAZ for Communication Intervention – Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy, 9th July 2020 [Webinar]
Webinar on Management of ANSD – Indian Speech and Hearing Association Special Interest Group in Audiology and Cochlear Implants Group, 12th July 2020
17th International Conference on Neurology and Spine Disorders (SciTech Central Neurology 2021), 23rd April 2021
4th Asia Oceanian Congress of Neuro Rehabilitation (AOCNR 2021) – Virtual Conference, 6th–8th August 2021
HCC FLASH Series VI – Elucidating the Diversity in Assessment and Management of Dysphagia, Holy Cross College, 10th–12th November 2022
2nd International Webinar on Dementia and Dementia Care – Scientex Conferences, 14th November 2022
Research Training by Illona Anderson – Seminar at MERF-ISH, July 2023
National Conference cum Workshop on Best Practices in Language Intervention for Children – Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Faculty of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (SRMC), Porur, Chennai, 30th November–2nd December 2023