Eliza Baby is a Ph.D. candidate in Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a speech-language pathologist with extensive clinical and research experience in neurogenic communication disorders. Her basic science research focuses on cognitive aging, cognitive control, and communication in older adults, with a particular interest in integrating behavioral and neurophysiological methods, including EEG, to better understand the mechanisms underlying cognitive-communication functioning. Her translational research focuses on developing technology-enabled assessment tools and interventions that support communication, cognition, and independence in aging populations.
Before joining UIUC, Eliza worked extensively with individuals with acquired and degenerative neurological disorders. In 2020, she founded Pieta Speech and Language Clinic, a women-led speech-language pathology practice in India. Through this venture, she built and continues to lead a multidisciplinary team of speech-language pathologists dedicated to expanding access to evidence-based rehabilitation services. Her entrepreneurial experience has provided valuable expertise in healthcare leadership, clinical program development, mentorship, and service delivery.
Alongside her academic work, Eliza is passionate about mentoring future clinicians and researchers, translating research into meaningful clinical impact, and advancing accessible, evidence-based care for individuals with communication disorders.
Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (B.Sc.), Dr. S.R Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing (DR SRCISH), Bangalore University, India, 2016
Master of Science (M.Sc.), Speech-Language Pathology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, India, 2018
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA, 2027 (expected)