Xiaowen Luo

About Me

My research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular interest in how data-driven approaches can enhance our understanding of neurological decline and support clinical applications. I recently completed an Erasmus Mundus master’s program that took me across the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, and Germany—an experience that not only broadened my academic perspective but also helped me master the art of efficient luggage packing. Outside of research, I enjoy hands-on creative work such as ceramics, silversmithing, and carpentry, which provide a grounding and enjoyable balance to my scientific pursuits.

Research

Speech impairment is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, frequently emerging early and progressing over time. As speech production relies on precisely coordinated motor, cognitive, and affective processes, subtle alterations in voice quality, articulation, or speech rhythm can serve as sensitive indicators of underlying neurological changes. This positions speech as a highly promising digital biomarker—providing a non-invasive, low-cost, and scalable means of monitoring disease progression and treatment effects.

In this project, I integrate large multilingual speech datasets with newly acquired clinical recordings to examine how speech patterns change longitudinally, respond to dopaminergic medication, and differ across neurodegenerative conditions. Through advanced signal-processing and machine-learning methodologies, my goal is to identify clinically interpretable speech markers that support remote monitoring, early risk stratification, and more accurate differential diagnosis.

Methods

  • Speech and Voice Analysis: Praat, Audacity
  • Neuroimaging: fMRI, MEG, EEG, MRS
  • Experimental Design: Psychopy, E-Prime, Eyelink
  • Programming: Python, R, MATLAB

Qualifications and Professional Experience

  • September 2024 – Present: PhD Fellow in the Voice Communication Sciences (VoCS) Doctoral Network, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
    • Host: Maastricht University (Maastricht, Netherlands).
    • Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Sonja Kotz and Dr. Ryszard Auksztulewicz
  • September 2022 – July 2024: European Master’s in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL), a joint Erasmus Mundus program offered by the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), Ghent University (Belgium), and the University of Eastern Finland (Finland).