Jorge C. Lucero

Ph.D., Professor of Computer Science at University of Brasília (Brazil)

Dr. Jorge C. Lucero, Professor of Computer Science at University of Brasília

I am interested in applying mathematics and computing to further our understanding of voice and speech production. The vocal folds in the larynx act as a biomechanical oscillator that generates sound during phonation. Under the right conditions, airflow through the glottis causes the vocal folds to oscillate, which in turn modulates the airflow and produces an acoustic wave. This sound production mechanism is common across mammals and songbirds. Speech then arises from combining phonation with articulation.

In my research, I use mathematical and computational models of this system to uncover the fundamental physical principles and develop engineering tools for analysis, diagnosis, and treatment in clinical settings. My projects have included:

  • Vocal Fold Biomechanics: Mathematical modeling of vocal fold oscillation, phonation threshold pressure, and asymmetric tissue properties
  • Voice Synthesis: Physics-based speech synthesis for simulating normal and disordered voice quality
  • Clinical Voice Analysis: Acoustic analysis tools for voice disorder assessment and treatment planning
  • Speech Production: Aerodynamic and articulatory patterns in speech

PhonaLab - Free Voice Analysis Tool

PhonaLab is a free web-based voice analysis tool I created for speech-language pathologists and voice specialists. It provides automated acoustic analysis (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio, cepstral peak prominence) with AI-powered clinical interpretation and professional PDF reports. The tool makes research-grade voice analysis accessible to clinicians worldwide, requiring no installation or specialized training.

Try it at: phonalab.com

SimuVox - Voice Disorder Simulation

SimuVox is a physics-based speech synthesizer capable of simulating normal and disordered voice timbres. It models vocal fold vibration, glottal aerodynamics, and acoustic wave propagation in the vocal tract, making it valuable for clinical training, perceptual assessment research, and understanding voice pathology.

Current courses

Theory of computation, discrete mathematics

Academic Profiles

Contact

Department of Computer Science
University of Brasília
Brasília DF 70910-900, Brazil
lucero@unb.br