My research is centered around identifying the auditory, cognitive, and linguistic processes that support speech recognition, using an interdisciplinary and computational approach. My current work focuses on understanding how aging and hearing loss affects speech processing in acoustic and electric hearing (i.e., cochlear implant recipients), by examining age- and hearing loss-related changes in auditory function. In addition, I am interested in characterizing the auditory, cognitive, and linguistic processes that underlie (un)successful foreign-accented speech recognition among native and non-native listeners with normal and impaired hearing. The long-term goal is to translate knowledge from this basic research into clinical strategies to optimize speech understanding for older people, people with hearing loss, and second language learners.
Education
- Ph.D., Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Texas at Austin, USA, 2018
- M.S., Psychology, Peking University, China, 2013
- B.S., Psychology, Southwest University, China, 2009
Research Interests
Speech Perception, Aging, Cochlear Implants, Auditory Plasticity, Electroencephalography
Teaching Interests
Introduction to Clinical Audiology, Neurological Bases of Communication
Publications & Research
Selected Publications (for a full list, see Google Scholar or ResearchGate)
- Xie, Z., Brodbeck, C., & Chandrasekaran, B. (2023). Cortical tracking of continuous speech under bimodal divided attention. Neurobiology of Language, 4(2), 318–343. doi:https://doi.org/10.1162/nol_a_00100
- Xie, Z., Stakhovskaya, O., Goupell, M. J., & Anderson, S. (2021). Aging effects on cortical responses to tones and speech in adult cochlear-implant users. Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, 22(6), 719-740.
- Xie, Z., Gaskins, C. R., Shader, M. J., Gordon-Salant, S., Anderson, S., & Goupell, M. J. (2019). Age-related temporal processing deficits in word segments in adult cochlear-implant users. Trends in Hearing, 23, 2331216519886688.
- Xie, Z., Reetzke, R., & Chandrasekaran, B. (2019). Machine learning approaches to analyze speech-evoked neurophysiological responses. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 62(3), 587-601.
- Reetzke, R., Xie, Z., Llanos, F., & Chandrasekaran, B. (2018). Tracing the trajectory of sensory plasticity across different stages of speech learning in adulthood. Current Biology, 28(9), 1419-1427.
Grants & Awards
- Xie, Z. (Jun 2023–Aug 2023). Using Continuous Speech Paradigm to Study Brain Mechanisms for Speech Understanding in Adult Cochlear Implant Users: A Pilot Study. Funded by FYAP program - Council on Research & Creativity at Florida State University. Total award $20,000.
- Xie, Z., & Gratton, C. (May 2023–May 2024). Plasticity of Brain Networks Supporting Speech Perception in Older Adults with Hearing Loss after Hearing Rehabilitation. Funded by the Institute for Successful Longevity Planning Grant Program at Florida State University. Total award $25,000.
- Xie, Z. (Jul 2021–Jun 2022). Age-related temporal processing deficits on cortical representation in cochlear-implant users. Funded by the University of Kansas Medical Center. Total award $32,010.