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Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar – HCNHS

Voice Foundation

International Association of Logopedics & Phoniatrics

Phonation Quotient Using Three Aerodynamic Instruments in the Disordered Voice

A Case of Nervus Laryngeus Superior Paresis Treated With Novafon Local Vibration Voice Therapy

Regulation of Transglottal Airflow in Speakers With Parkinson's Disease

The effect of Parkinson disease tremor phenotype on cepstral peak prominence and transglottal airflow in vowels and speech

A Comparison of Indirect and Direct Methods for Estimating Transglottal Airflow Rate

Characteristics of a Treatment-seeking Population in a Private Practice Community Voice Clinic: An Epidemiologic Study

Christopher Watts is Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, TX. He also has a faculty appointment as tenured Professor in the Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders. In his role as Dean, he leads academic and research enterprises consisting of five units: The Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, the Department of Kinesiology, TCU Nursing, the School of Nurse Anesthesia, and the Department of Social Work.

His research, clinical, and teaching interests center on laryngeal function in voice and swallowing. He directs the Laryngeal Function Lab at TCU, which investigates laryngeal function using acoustic, aerodynamic, and electrophysiological instrumentation. He has published extensively in high impact peer-reviewed journals of my discipline, and present regularly at national and international symposiums. Since 2008 he has been an administrator in higher education serving in roles from Assistant Dean, Department Chair, and most recently Director of the Davies School at TCU.

Voice Disorders

Parkinson's

Neurological Disorders

Laryngeal Function

Dysphagia

Faculty Profile - Texas Christian University

Chris Watts Highlighted for Parkinson’s Research Project

What Date (Or Event) Most Changed The Course Of History?

Low-Tech Options for Aerodynamic Assessment of Voice Disorders

Electropalatography Treatment for School-Aged Children With Residual /r/ Errors

Treatment Outcomes in a Private Practice Community Voice Clinic

Perceptual Assessment of Speech Production in Speakers with Parkinson’s Disease

Problem Solving and Information Sharing for Department Chairs

head-trauma-and-longterm-impacts

TCU's Chris Watts talks to USA Today about Brett Favre's Parkinson's diagnosis

Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences; Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders

 Last week, NFL great Brett Favre revealed publicly that he has Parkinson's disease. It was an announcement that has also put the devastating affliction back in the media spotlight, and has experts and the public wondering if there's a link between high-impact sports like football and Parkinson's.

 It's why researchers like Christopher Watts from TCU are getting contacted by national media looking for answers.


Head trauma alone is not the sole risk factor for Parkinson’s. Experts say the disease has also been linked to environmental factors, like exposure to certain pesticides or chemicals, and genetic mutations. “If all the ingredients in the recipe come together, you may develop Parkinson’s disease,” said Christopher Watts, Texas Christian University's Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, who researches the disease. “The reason why we know is because not every boxer develops Parkinson's disease… it has to be other things that are acting along with that exposure to head trauma.” The median age for a Parkinson’s diagnosis is about 65, Watts said. At 54, Favre is on the younger end of that spectrum. Parkinsonism – an umbrella term for brain conditions that cause slow movement, rigidity and tremors – has been well studied in boxers, Watts said. One of history’s most legendary boxers, Muhammad Ali, was diagnosed with the disease. However, the research among football players isn't as robust. A 2023 study published in JAMA found participants with a history of playing organized football had higher odds of Parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease compared with those involved in other organized sports. But other studies have reported mixed findings, Watts said. He said researchers must determine if there is a link. “Football is such a big part of American society,” he said. “We need to know the answers to this.” September 25 - USA Today   With the NFL season in full swing - this will be a subject that will be receiving ongoing coverage throughout the season. And if you're a journalist looking to know - then let us help with your stories, questions and coverage.

Chris Watts is the Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas Christian University and is an expert in the areas of neurological disorders.

Chris is available to speak with media about this important topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.



Head trauma and long-term impacts

Christopher R. Watts is the Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean in TCU's Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences. The academic units represented by Harris College are focused on the mission of enhancing global health through education, scholarship, and innovation with the larger vision of preparing professionals who will go on to transform global health in ways that impact the world.

Meet the Dean - Chris Watts

Chris Watts, Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, offers his congratulations to December 2020 graduates.

Congratulations December Grads from the Harris College of Nursing &amp; Health Sciences

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