Mark Berardi will lead a course titled, “Human Voice and AI Technologies: Accessibility, Security, and Health Care,” which will showcase CSD’s commitment to innovation in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
Friday, November 14, 2025

By Will Bower 

Mark Berardi, assistant research scientist in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was recently named one of 10 Provost AI Fellows selected to develop courses for the University of Iowa’s new artificial intelligence (AI) certificate program, launching in 2026.  

Berardi’s course, titled, “Human Voice and AI Technologies: Accessibility, Security, and Health Care,” will prepare students to navigate speech science as it relates to AI. Berardi said that during his time as a Ph.D student, he identified a need for experts to apply machine learning and AI technologies to the field of communication sciences and disorders. 

Mark Berardi

“AI, when applied with care, is a powerful tool for understanding the complexity of communication,” Berardi said. “As a scientist, I am interested in this understanding toward improved clinical outcomes.” 

The new AI program is aimed at preparing students for success “in an AI-driven world,” according to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. Berardi’s course will emphasize AI and speech science, providing CSD students with a foundation that directly relates to their field of study. 

“I think that all university students should have some basic understanding and experience with generative AI,” Berardi said. “It's even better if it can be within one's own area of study.” 

Berardi said he identified three areas of application to help guide the course: accessibility, security, and health care. Each module will focus on potential opportunities and challenges within different applications, which Berardi said he will adjust based on student interest. 

“I plan for the course to be collaborative with the students, with the ultimate goal of making sure they feel competent in using AI technology,” Berardi said. 

AI’s role in clinical settings has been a hot-button issue in recent years. Berardi said AI could help ease bottlenecks in clinical practice and bridge gaps in accessibility—but won’t devalue the role of the clinician. 

“I believe that AI is only useful when it is in the hands of an informed user,” Berardi said. “My advice to CSD students is to focus on building solid clinical practices and expertise in the field, and you'll be well-prepared for AI integration.”