Jane Mertz Garcia
Professor
Asha Fellow
Contact Information
228 Campus Creek Complex
(785) 532-6879
jgarcia@k-state.edu
Education
- Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Alabama
- M.S. in Speech Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Kansas State University
Credentials and/or Certifications
- Kansas License for the practice of Speech-Language Pathology
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology, American Speech, Language and Hearing Association
- LSVT-LOUD Certified in voice treatment for Parkinson's disease
Area(s) of Specialization
Dr. Garcia's expertise is in communication and swallowing disorders caused by neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and disease processes. Research, instruction, and service/outreach reflect this emphasis and commitment to excellence.
Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors
Dr. Garcia's research relates to dysphagia (impaired swallowing). Diet modifications, such as thickened liquids, compensate for poor musculature control or changes in the natural protective mechanisms of the body that make it difficult to swallow beverages like water or coffee. Study results inform clinical practices about the use of thickened liquids, including factors that impact viscosity (thickness), flavor and texture characteristics, and service delivery (e.g., staff training). Publications appear in journals for several health care providers (speech-language pathologists, nutrition specialists, and nursing). Her scholarship also contributes to the well-being of people who experience traumatic brain injury (TBI), including development of a public education program to increase awareness of TBI. K-State students (both undergraduate and graduate students) have actively participated in scholarly activities mentored by Dr. Garcia. K-State students have been contributing authors to more than 15 research publications.
Courses Taught
- CSD 580 Neurological Basis of Communication and Swallowing Disorders
- CSD 745 Neuromotor Speech Disorders
- CSD 780 Instrumental Measurement for Clinical Application
- CSD 841 Acquired Language and Cognitive Disorders
- CSD 844 Dysphagia
Professional Biography
Jane Mertz Garcia is a professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Kansas State University. She is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. Garcia provides instruction in course content areas that help prepare graduates to work in medical settings. Dr. Garcia was endowed with the Jack and Ruth Rice Distinguished Professorship at Kansas State University.
Personal Information
Dr. Garcia is a native of Kansas, having been raised on a farm near Manhattan. She is a fourth-generation member of her family to attend Kansas State University. She is married to Robert Garcia, who directs the program in CSD. Their son also is a K-State graduate.