Education

• Ph.D., Experimental Phonetics, University of Florida, 1984
• M.A., Speech Pathology, Northwestern University, 1976
• B.S.S., Speech Pathology, Northwestern University, 1975

Interests & Expertise

Dr. Gelfer's research interests center on the voice and voice disorders. Much of her research has been devoted to establishing normative data for various vocal parameters (fundamental frequency, intensity, laryngeal quality) and procedures for valid and reliable acoustic measurement. Dr. Gelfer's expertise in the acoustic characteristics of voice led her to an interest in the voices transgendered individuals, and acoustic cues for male vs. female voice quality. Current research directions include continued development of reliable voice evaluation procedures as well as assessing the outcomes of voice therapy.

Recent Publications

Gelfer, M.P., & Pazera, J.F. (2006). Maximum Duration of Sustained /s/ and /z/ and the s/z Ratio WithControlled Intensity, Journal of Voice, 20, 369-379.

Gelfer, M.P., & Mikos, V.A. (2005). The Relative Contributions of Speaking Fundamental Frequency and Formant Frequencies to Gender Identification Based on Isolated Vowels, Journal of Voice, 19, 544-554.

Gelfer, M.P., & Schofield, K.J. (2000). Comparison of Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of Voice in Male-to-Female Transsexuals Perceived as Female vs. Those Perceived as Male. Journal of Voice, 14, 22-33.