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Computational framework for aerosolization from vocal fold vibration

Award Number: F31DC023769
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2028

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Computational framework for aerosolization from vocal fold vibration - Project Summary/Abstract Voice disorders affect 5-10% of the United States workforce, with an even higher incidence (≈ 50%) among professional voice users such as teachers and fitness instructors. A key factor contributing to these disorders is dehydration of the vocal fold tissue, which increases stiffness and reduces pliability. As individuals speak with dehydrated folds, they are prone to vocal overuse, leading to dysphonia and potential lesions. Yet the mechanisms of vocal fold dehydration and its effects on phonation remain poorly understood, largely because the vocal folds are difficult to access directly. This project circumvents limited experimental access using novel computational approaches to test hypotheses about hydration, pitch, loudness, and fluid atomization. In Aim 1, we will develop a fluid–structure interaction model that couples exhaled airflow to poroelastic, hyperelastic vocal fold tissues. This model will simulate oscillatory dynamics and the internal flow of interstitial fluid, enabling us to study how vibration may lead to progressive dehydration. We will validate the model against prior simulations of oscillation frequencies, mucosal wave propagation, and modal behavior. In Aim 2, we will model how Faraday- like instabilities on the tissue surface can drive droplet ejection. We will extract pixel-wise surface kinematics from video laryngoscopy and use those data to simulate surface-level fluid instabilities that droplet ejection. By identifying the role of tissue motion, saturation, and geometry in driving aerosol generation, this work will reveal the physical mechanisms that affect tissue hydration and cause fluid emission from the surface. The results will inform clinical understanding and medical interventions used to diagnose and treat dysphonia.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $46,115 )
2026	2026	THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO	3100 MARINE ST	BOULDER	CO	80303	BOULDER	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	1	4/3/2026	NEW	$46,115
2026	2026	THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO	3100 MARINE ST	BOULDER	CO	80303	BOULDER	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	1	4/3/2026	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $46,115

Grand Total All Awards = $46,115

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Computational framework for aerosolization from vocal fold vibration

Award Number: F31DC023769

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2028

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