Melanie Fried-Oken, PhD is a clinical researcher and speech-language pathologist specializing in assistive technology for communication. She is a professor of Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Pediatrics and Otolaryngology at Oregon Health & Science University, in Portland, Oregon. For the past 40 years, Melanie has led research and development efforts for AAC devices, intervention protocols, and policy changes so that children and adults with complex communication needs have effective and innovative means to participate in their daily conversations. Currently, Melanie leads a multidisciplinary team in the development and evaluation of brain-computer interfaces for adults with locked-in syndrome (including ALS), participates in a randomized controlled trial related to telehealth speech treatment for adults with primary progressive aphasia, and is co-director of the Oregon University Center for Excellence in Development Disabilities (OHSU UCEDD). She staffs an adult AAC clinic weekly and bases her research and team leadership on clinical dilemmas that are presented by patients and families.