I am an assistant professor and Speech-Language Pathologist in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota, where I specialize in the assessment and treatment of voice, upper airway, and swallowing disorders. I completed my doctoral degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and am certified by the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association. The goal of my research program is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic voice disorders through the development of physiologically grounded assessment tools. My current funded projects combine a novel application of High-Resolution Manometry with acoustic analysis to study voice physiology in normal and disordered voices.
My research focuses on the relationships between cranial sensorimotor function and cognitive/psychological state , with a particular emphasis on defining the neurobiological underpinnings that govern these relationships. In speech-language pathology, there exist obvious, but poorly-understood interactions among successful cranial sensorimotor behaviors (vocalizing, swallowing, coordination of breathing) and cognitive/psychological state. Understanding these relationships and their neurobiological underpinnings would significantly advance our ability to treat patients with voice, swallowing, and airway disorders. Thus, the ultimate goal of my research is to develop methods of optimizing cognitive/psychological state to improve motor learning and performance. This can improve clinical outcomes for patients with diverse etiologies of dysphonia and dysphagia. My lab is currently focused on refining methods of objectively measuring changes in vocal function while examining degree of sympathetic nervous system activation through a novel use of high-resolution manometry (HRM) and online biomonitoring.
Expertise
Assessment and Treatment of Voice and Upper Airway Disorders
Education
Undergrad: B.A. in Vocal Performance, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and European Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Graduate School: M.S. in Speech Pathology and Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Clinical Fellowship: University of Minnesota - Lions Voice Clinic
Board Certifications
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology
Awards & Recognition
University of Minnesota Physicians Clinical Excellence Honors 2024 & 2025
Publications
Hoffmeister, J. D., Konczak, J., & Misono, S. N. (2025). Characterization of upper esophageal sphincter pressures relative to vocal acoustics. Journal of Applied Physiology, 138(1), 203-212.
Pradhan, PM, Marmor, S, Tignanelli, C, Misono, SN, Hoffmeister, JD. “Independent Risk Factors for Prolonged Tube Feeding After Endotracheal Intubation and Ventilation.” Journal of Intensive Care Medicine (2024)
Hoffmeister, JD, Ulmschneider, CL, Ciucci, MR. “Stress Effects of Pharyngeal Air Pressure and Upper Esophageal Sphincter Pressure During Phonation: The Influence of Vocal Tract Semi-Occlusion.” Journal of Voice (2022)
Hoffmeister, JD, Ulmschneider, CL, Jones, CA, Ciucci, MR, McCulloch, TM. "Measurement of Pharyngeal Air Pressure During Phonation Using High-Resolution Manometry." Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research 64.9 (2021): 3456-3464.
