Christina Nobriga, PhD, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor
Dr. Tina Nobriga (Bratlund) is a full-time associate professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University. She has been teaching at Loma Linda University since 2012. Her clinical background includes pediatric through geriatric in outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient acute, private practice, and skilled nursing facility.
Dr. Nobriga teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of swallowing, voice, and diagnostic methods. In 2017, Dr. Nobriga was awarded the California Speech Language and Hearing Association (CSHA) District 10 Outstanding Achievement Award for Teaching. She instituted and continues to supervise the voice and swallow clinic within the department. She also serves as a research mentor for students in the masters, SLPD, and PhD in Rehab Sciences programs.
Dr. Nobriga’s research passion is seeking innovative ways to improve quality of life and rehabilitation in individuals with swallowing disorders. During her doctoral work, she was awarded the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Summer Internship Program Exceptional Student Award for her work in the Laryngeal and Speech Section lab of Dr. Christy Ludlow.
Education
- PhD, Communication Sciences and Disorders, dysphagia emphasis, James Madison University
- M.S., Speech-Language Pathology, Loma Linda University
- B.S., Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Loma Linda University
Professional Certificates
- ASHA – Certificate of Clinical Competence, SLP 12042951
- Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certification – September, 2015
Research Experience
- Reid, E. W. & Nobriga, C. V. (2022). Spasmodic dysphonia: Introductory phonetic analyses. Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699206.2022.2096483
- Lowe, S. M., & Nobriga, C. V. (2021). Head and neck cancer in a rural population: Needs and access to speech and swallowing services. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30, 1116-1133. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_AJSLP-20-00223
- Szynkiewicz, S. H., Nobriga, C. V., Cheung, A., Khoury, L., Piven, M., & Quibin, K. (2020). Mental practice using motor imagery in dysphagia rehabilitation: A survey of practicing speech-language pathologists. Seminars in Speech and Language, 41(5), 349-364. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1709204
- Szynkiewicz, S. H., Kamarunas, E., Drulia, T., Nobriga, C. V., Griffin, L., & O’Donoghue, C. R. (2020). A randomized controlled trial comparing physical and mental lingual exercise for healthy older adults. Dysphagia, 41(5), 349-364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-020-10164-5
- Szynkiewicz, S. H., Nobriga, C. V., O’Donoghue, C. R., Becerra, B. J., & LaForge, G. (2019). Motor imagery practice and increased tongue strength: A case series feasibility report. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 62, 1676-1684. https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_jslhr-s-18-0128
- Nobriga, C., & St. Clair, J. (2018). Training goal writing: A practical and systematic approach. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 3(SIG 11), 36-47. https://doi.org/10.1044/persp3.SIG11.36
- Bratlund, C. V., O’Donoghue, C. R., & Rocchiccioli, J. T. (2010). Dehydration and dysphagia: Challenges in the older adult. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 18(3), 1-10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287874357_Dehydration_and_Dysphagia_Challenges_in_the_Older_Adult