James Borders | Profiles RNS

James Borders, PhD

Assistant Professor

Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Pronouns: he/him/his

Websites

	Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences Faculty
	Airway Protection Research Lab
	LinkedIn
	Google Scholar

ORCID : 0000-0002-0291-4266

Dr. Borders is the Director of the Airway Protection Research Lab at Boston University. His research investigates airway protection (swallowing, coughing, breathing) and the impact of impairments on health and quality of life across aging and disease. The overarching goal of his work is to develop efficacious, personalized interventions that enhance patient care and long-term health outcomes, including pneumonia, malnutrition, and hospitalization.

Dr. Borders leads a multidisciplinary, translational research program that integrates principles of causal inference, meta-science, and clinical trial design to advance the assessment and rehabilitation of airway protective dysfunction. He is a past recipient of the NINDS Early-Career Rigor Champion Award and has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Assistant Professor
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Publications listed below are automatically derived from MEDLINE/PubMed and other sources, which might result in incorrect or missing publications. Faculty can login to make corrections and additions.

iCite Website Copy PMIDs To Clipboard

Borders JC, Gartling G, Hary E, Amin MR, Troche MS, Barkmeier-Kraemer J, Branski RC. Patient Perception of Vocal Tremor Severity and its Relationship to Acoustic Voice Outcomes: An Exploratory Study. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). 2025; 15:60. PMID: 41357296; PMCID: PMC12679986; DOI: 10.5334/tohm.1087;

Borders JC, Thompson A, Kearney E. Using Synthetic Data in Communication Sciences and Disorders to Promote Computational Reproducibility and Transparency. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2025 Dec 10; 68(12):5854-5869. PMID: 41212974; DOI: 10.1044/2025_JSLHR-24-00736;

Borders JC, Huber JE, Troche MS. Estimating Lung Volume During Cough: A Comparison of Respiratory Calibration Tasks and Methodologies. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2025 Sep 10; 68(9):4290-4296. PMID: 40824854; DOI: 10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00237;

Borders JC, Kuo SH, Troche MS. Single-Session Feasibility of Cough Skill Training in Cerebellar Ataxia. Cerebellum. 2025 Jul 11; 24(5):129. PMID: 40643748; DOI: 10.1007/s12311-025-01884-1;

Villarreal-Cavazos K, Borders JC, Curtis JA, Sevitz JS, Vanegas-Arroyave N, Troche MS. Feasibility of expiratory muscle strength training in individuals with progressive supranuclear palsy. Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2025 Dec; 15(6):283-287. PMID: 40474846; PMCID: PMC12645890; DOI: 10.1080/17582024.2025.2514994;

Tipton CB, Borders JC, Curtis JA, Troche MS. Bowing Index in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Ataxia. Laryngoscope. 2025 Jun; 135(6):2081-2085. PMID: 39895163

Curtis JA, Borders JC, Kiefer B, Alcalay RN, Huber JE, Troche MS. Respiratory-Swallow Coordination and Its Relationship With Pharyngeal Residue, Penetration, and Aspiration in People With Parkinson's Disease. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2024 Nov 07; 67(11):4314-4338. PMID: 39388722; DOI: 10.1044/2024_JSLHR-24-00056;

Borders JC, Villarreal-Cavazos K, Huber JE, Quinn L, Keller B, Troche MS. Enhancing Cough Motor Learning in Parkinson's Disease Through Variable Practice During Skill Training. Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2024 Dec; 11(12):1500-1515. PMID: 39377552; PMCID: PMC11647975; DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.14218;

Borders JC, Grande AA, Barbon CEA, Hutcheson KA, Troche MS. Effects of Statistical Practices for Longitudinal Group Comparison of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale on Power and Effect Size Estimation: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study. Dysphagia. 2025 Apr; 40(2):388-398. PMID: 39153045; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-024-10738-7;

Borders JC, Troche MS. Minimal Detectable Change of Cough and Lingual Strength Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Disease. Laryngoscope. 2024 Dec; 134(12):5034-5040. PMID: 39037124; DOI: 10.1002/lary.31654;

Showing 10 of 45 results. Show More

Curtis JA, Tabor Gray L, Arrese L, Borders JC, Starmer H. Characterizing the Validity of Using VASES to Derive DIGEST-FEES Grades. Folia Phoniatr Logop. 2025; 77(1):10-19. PMID: 38631299; PMCID: PMC11812585; DOI: 10.1159/000538935;

Buckley DP, Borders JC, Pisegna JM. Muscle Tension Dysphagia: An Expanded Investigation of Clinical Presentations and Swallowing Kinematics. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2024 Jul 03; 33(4):1802-1810.View Related Profiles.

Buckley, Daniel
Borders, James
Pisegna, Jessica

PMID: 38573246

Borders JC, Lowell ER, Huber JE, Quinn L, Michelle S Troche. A Preliminary Study of Voluntary Cough Motor Performance and Learning With Skill Training and Biofeedback. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2024 May 07; 67(5):1299-1323. PMID: 38557139; DOI: 10.1044/2024_JSLHR-23-00516;

Borders JC, Steele CM. The effect of liquid consistency on penetration-aspiration: a Bayesian analysis of two large datasets. Front Rehabil Sci. 2024; 5:1337971. PMID: 38463609; PMCID: PMC10920265; DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1337971;

Perry SE, Troche M, Huber JE, Curtis J, Kiefer B, Sevitz J, Dennard Q, Borders J, Browy JR, Dakin A, Gonzalez V, Chapman J, Wu T, Katz L, Britton D. Behavioral Management of Respiratory/Phonatory Dysfunction for Dysarthria Associated With Neurodegenerative Disease: A Systematic Review. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2024 Mar 07; 33(2):1069-1097. PMID: 38232176; DOI: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-23-00274;

Lowell ER, Borders JC, Perry SE, Dakin AE, Sevitz JS, Kuo SH, Troche MS. Sensorimotor Cough Dysfunction in Cerebellar Ataxias. Cerebellum. 2024 Aug; 23(4):1338-1347. PMID: 38032397; PMCID: PMC11145628; DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01635-0;

Kitila M, Borders JC, Krisciunas GP, McNally E, Pisegna JM. Confidence, Accuracy, and Reliability of Penetration-Aspiration Scale Ratings on Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing by Speech Pathologists. Dysphagia. 2024 Jun; 39(3):504-513.View Related Profiles.

Krisciunas, Gintas
Borders, James
Pisegna, Jessica

PMID: 37980635

Borders JC, Hegland KW, Vanegas-Arroyave N, Troche MS. Motor Performance During Sensorimotor Training for Airway Protection in Parkinson's Disease. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2023 Nov 06; 32(6):2718-2733. PMID: 37668552; DOI: 10.1044/2023_AJSLP-23-00055;

Curtis JA, Borders JC, Dakin AE, Troche MS. Auditory-Perceptual Assessments of Cough: Characterizing Rater Reliability and the Effects of a Standardized Training Protocol. Folia Phoniatr Logop. 2024; 76(1):77-90. PMID: 37544291; DOI: 10.1159/000533372;

Curtis JA, Borders JC, Dakin AE, Troche MS. Normative Reference Values for FEES and VASES: Preliminary Data From 39 Nondysphagic, Community-Dwelling Adults. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2023 Jul 12; 66(7):2260-2277. PMID: 37343540; DOI: 10.1044/2023_JSLHR-23-00132;

Borders JC, Sevitz JS, Curtis JA, Vanegas-Arroyave N, Troche MS. Quantifying Impairments in Swallowing Safety and Efficiency in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Parkinson's Disease. Dysphagia. 2023 Oct; 38(5):1342-1352. PMID: 36763187; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10560-7;

Jijakli A, Borders JC, Gottlieb A, Ramirez E, Leonard R, Langmore SE, Murray J, Pisegna JM. Absent epiglottic inversion as seen on flexible endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES) is associated with a gestalt reduction in swallowing mechanics. Am J Otolaryngol. 2023; 44(2):103757.View Related Profiles.

Gottlieb, Amy
Borders, James
Pisegna, Jessica
Langmore, Susan

PMID: 36753976

Curtis JA, Borders JC, Dakin AE, Troche MS. The Role of Aspiration Amount on Airway Protective Responses in People with Neurogenic Dysphagia. Dysphagia. 2023 Aug; 38(4):1212-1223. PMID: 36527462; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10546-x;

Schroeder SR, Gaeta L, El Amin M, Chow JC, Borders JC. Evaluating Research Transparency and Openness in Communication Sciences and Disorders Journals. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2023 Jun 20; 66(6):1977-1985. PMID: 36516469; DOI: 10.1044/2022_JSLHR-22-00330;

Sevitz JS, Perry SE, Borders JC, Dakin AE, Curtis JA, Troche MS. The Relationship Between Lingual Strength and Functional Swallowing Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease. Dysphagia. 2023 Aug; 38(4):1169-1183. PMID: 36478133; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10543-0;

El Amin M, Borders JC, Long HL, Keller MA, Kearney E. Open Science Practices in Communication Sciences and Disorders: A Survey. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2023 Jun 20; 66(6):1928-1947. PMID: 36417765; PMCID: PMC10554559; DOI: 10.1044/2022_JSLHR-22-00062;

Troche MS, Curtis JA, Sevitz JS, Dakin AE, Perry SE, Borders JC, Grande AA, Mou Y, Vanegas-Arroyave N, Hegland KW. Rehabilitating Cough Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Mov Disord. 2023 Feb; 38(2):201-211. PMID: 36345090; DOI: 10.1002/mds.29268;

Sevitz JS, Borders JC, Dakin AE, Kiefer BR, Alcalay RN, Kuo SH, Troche MS. Rehabilitation of Airway Protection in Individuals With Movement Disorders: A Telehealth Feasibility Study. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2022 Nov 16; 31(6):2741-2758. PMID: 36279509; PMCID: PMC9911128; DOI: 10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00063;

Borders JC, Grande AA, Troche MS. Statistical Power and Swallowing Rehabilitation Research: Current Landscape and Next Steps. Dysphagia. 2022 Dec; 37(6):1673-1688. PMID: 35226185; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10428-2;

Curtis JA, Borders JC, Troche MS. Visual Analysis of Swallowing Efficiency and Safety (VASES): Establishing Criterion-Referenced Validity and Concurrent Validity. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2022 Mar 10; 31(2):808-818. PMID: 35077197; DOI: 10.1044/2021_AJSLP-21-00116;

Borders JC, Troche MS. Voluntary Cough Effectiveness and Airway Clearance in Neurodegenerative Disease. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2022 Feb 09; 65(2):431-449. PMID: 34936376; DOI: 10.1044/2021_JSLHR-21-00308;

Borders JC, Sevitz JS, Curtis JA, Vanegas-Arroyave N, Troche MS. Sensorimotor Cough Dysfunction Is Prevalent and Pervasive in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Mov Disord. 2021 Nov; 36(11):2624-2633. PMID: 34173683; DOI: 10.1002/mds.28707;

Perry SE, Borders JC, Dakin AE, Troche MS. Characterizing Quality of Life in Caregivers of People with Parkinson's Disease and Dysphagia. Dysphagia. 2022 Jun; 37(3):523-532. PMID: 33991229; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10299-z;

Curtis JA, Borders JC, Perry SE, Dakin AE, Seikaly ZN, Troche MS. Visual Analysis of Swallowing Efficiency and Safety (VASES): A Standardized Approach to Rating Pharyngeal Residue, Penetration, and Aspiration During FEES. Dysphagia. 2022 Apr; 37(2):417-435. PMID: 33837841; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10293-5;

Borders JC, Sevitz JS, Malandraki JB, Malandraki GA, Troche MS. Objective and Subjective Clinical Swallowing Outcomes via Telehealth: Reliability in Outpatient Clinical Practice. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2021 Mar 26; 30(2):598-608. PMID: 33555954; DOI: 10.1044/2020_AJSLP-20-00234;

Borders JC, Curtis JA, Sevitz JS, Vanegas-Arroyave N, Troche MS. Immediate Effects of Sensorimotor Training in Airway Protection (smTAP) on Cough Outcomes in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Feasibility Study. Dysphagia. 2022 Feb; 37(1):74-83. PMID: 33515312; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10251-1;

Borders JC, Brandimore AE, Troche MS. Variability of Voluntary Cough Airflow in Healthy Adults and Parkinson's Disease. Dysphagia. 2021 Aug; 36(4):700-706. PMID: 32975653; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-020-10190-3;

Enver N, Borders JC, Curtis JA, Sevitz JS, Vanegas-Arroyave N, Troche MS. The Role of Vocal Fold Bowing on Cough and Swallowing Dysfunction in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Laryngoscope. 2021 Jun; 131(6):1217-1222. PMID: 32687232; DOI: 10.1002/lary.28885;

Borders JC, O'Dea MB, McNally E, Norberg E, Kitila M, Walsh M, Liu R, Pisegna JM. Inter- and Intra-Rater Reliability of Laryngeal Sensation Testing with the Touch Method During Flexible Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2020 Jun; 129(6):565-571.View Related Profiles.

Borders, James
Pisegna, Jessica
O'Dea, Meredith

PMID: 31958985

Borders JC, Blanke S, Johnson S, Gilmore-Bykovskyi A, Rogus-Pulia N. Efficacy of Mealtime Interventions for Malnutrition and Oral Intake in Persons With Dementia: A Systematic Review. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2020; 34(4):366-379. PMID: 32530831; PMCID: PMC7679285; DOI: 10.1097/WAD.0000000000000387;

Borders JC, Brates D. Use of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale in Dysphagia Research: A Systematic Review. Dysphagia. 2020 Aug; 35(4):583-597. PMID: 31538220; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-10064-3;

Stipancic KL, Borders JC, Brates D, Thibeault SL. Prospective Investigation of Incidence and Co-Occurrence of Dysphagia, Dysarthria, and Aphasia Following Ischemic Stroke. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2019 Feb 21; 28(1):188-194. PMID: 31072162; DOI: 10.1044/2018_AJSLP-18-0136;

Borders JC, Fink D, Levitt JE, McKeehan J, McNally E, Rubio A, Scheel R, Siner JM, Taborda SG, Vojnik R, Warner H, White SD, Langmore SE, Moss M, Krisciunas GP. Relationship Between Laryngeal Sensation, Length of Intubation, and Aspiration in Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure. Dysphagia. 2019 08; 34(4):521-528.View Related Profiles.

Krisciunas, Gintas
Borders, James
Langmore, Susan

PMID: 30694412; PMCID: PMC6660370; DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-09980-1;

Pisegna JM, Borders JC, Kaneoka A, Coster WJ, Leonard R, Langmore SE. Reliability of Untrained and Experienced Raters on FEES: Rating Overall Residue is a Simple Task. Dysphagia. 2018 10; 33(5):645-654.View Related Profiles.

Borders, James
Pisegna, Jessica
Langmore, Susan

PMID: 29516172

Borders JC, Gibson AL, Grayev A, Thibeault S. Predictors of dysphagia in critically injured patients with neck trauma. J Crit Care. 2018 Apr; 44:312-317. PMID: 29268199; DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2017.12.004;

This graph shows the total number of publications by year, by first, middle/unknown, or last author.

Bar chart showing 45 publications over 9 distinct years, with a maximum of 9 publications in 2024

Bar chart showing 45 publications over 9 distinct years, with a maximum of 9 publications in 2024

Year	Publications
2017	1
2018	1
2019	3
2020	4
2021	6
2022	8
2023	7
2024	9
2025	6

2025 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Early-Career Rigor Champion Award

2022 Dysphagia Research Society: 1 st Place Scientific Abstract Poster Presentation

2022 Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders : Doctoral Scholarship

2022 1 st Place Scientific Abstract Poster Presentation: Dysphagia Research Society

2022 Columbia University: Carol Neilson Wilder Scholar

2021 Doctoral Scholarship: ASH Foundation New Century Scholars

2020 Dysphagia Research Society: 1 st Place Scientific Abstract Oral Presentation

2020 Dysphagia Research Society: Springer Publishing Junior Investigator Travel Grant

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