Associate ProfessorPhoebe Macrae

Phoebe’s research investigates the mechanisms underpinning upper aerodigestive function, with a particular focus on sensory processing, neurophysiology, and respiratory–swallow–cough coordination as core determinants of airway protection and aspiration prevention. Her work examines how these complex sensorimotor systems integrate, adapt, and deteriorate across clinical populations including stroke, head and neck cancer, neurological disease, and medically complex conditions.

Her programme centres on three interconnected themes:

•  Sensory integration, airway sensation, and neurophysiology of swallowing and cough, including afferent pathways, sensorimotor control and neural mechanisms that shape motor output
• Measurement science, psychometrics, and instrumental assessment (e.g., videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, endoscopic swallowing evaluation, and cough assessment methodologies), with an emphasis on outcome measure development, validation, and measurement reliability to improve the precision of aerodigestive diagnostics and clinical decision making
• Equity focused and indigenous models of care, including Hauora Māori and Kaupapa Māori research that strengthen culturally grounded assessment, rehabilitation, and health service delivery in aerodigestive disorders

Across these areas, Phoebe applies multidisciplinary and translational research methods drawn from speech-language therapy, respiratory physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, and clinical measurement science. Her work advances understanding of functional airway-protective mechanisms, supports innovation in instrumental assessment tools and outcome metrics, and contributes to more equitable, culturally safe, and evidence-based management of dysphagia, cough dysfunction and related aerodigestive disorders.