Speakers: Catherine Wiseman-Hakes, PhD and Joseph Wszalek, JD, PhD
Catherine Wiseman-Hakes is a speech-language pathologist and clinical neuroscientist. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Speech Language Pathology Program, McMaster University, (Hamilton, Ontario Canada) an affiliate scientist with the KITE Research Institute-University Health Network- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (UHN-TRI), and a scientist with the Hull Ellis Concussion and Research Clinic (UHN-TRI). Her clinical and research focus is traumatic brain injury; primarily, cognitive-communication disorders (including social communication and social cognition) among marginalized and underserved communities.
She has authored over 50 peer reviewed publications, several book chapters, and has contributed as a lead or expert panel member for national and international practice guidelines for traumatic brain injury. Catherine has a strong interest in those with TBI from marginalized and underserved communities who have limited or no access to rehabilitation. To address this gap, she founded The Compassionate Justice Fund in partnership with the Ontario Brain Injury Association, which provides funding and system navigation for these individuals who have ‘fallen through the cracks’.
Joseph A. Wszalek is the founder of the Center for Neurolaw and Equity, a California, USA–based project focusing on progressive research and advocacy at the intersection of neuroscience and the law. A neuroscientist and neuroethicist by training, his research and expertise focus on neurodisability, brain injury, language and communication, and social-legal cognition.