Dr Kenny Ardouin

Biography

Kenny completed his BSLP(Hons) degree at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand in 2015, and worked as a Speech Language Therapist for several years at the TalkLink Trust in the specialist area of Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC). Following this, he worked as the Adult Services Project Lead at the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) in the UK where he was responsible for coordinating a research and intervention program working with key stakeholders to introduce new support interventions for adults affected by cleft lip and/or palate.

In 2021, he completed a Master of Science research degree at the University of Canterbury in Speech and Language Sciences investigating the psychosocial impact of speech differences in New Zealand adults who were born with a cleft. In 2025 he completed a PhD in both Speech and Language Sciences, and also in Psychology (also at the University of Canterbury); this was a three-year follow up study designing, delivering, and evaluating speech language therapy and psychology interventions to improve quality of life for people who were born with cleft.

Research

Within his research portfolio, Kenny has a strong interest in understanding the lived experiences and wellbeing of individuals affected by cleft and other craniofacial conditions. Kenny's work is driven by a commitment to translating research into meaningful, accessible information that can support individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and the broader community. Utilising interdisciplinary perspectives and expertise, he is particularly interested in the psychological, social, and health-related outcomes associated with cleft across the lifespan. Kenny is passionate to ensure that patient perspectives are central to research and service development, using co-production throughout research to ensure that research priorities stay true to the philosophy of "nothing about us, without us".

Within his role at SCU, Kenny's research goals are centred on improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by craniofacial differences, including by ensuring access to information, treatment, and support at any age, and by promoting patient-centred shared decision making within healthcare. Ultimately, Kenny aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of patient experiences and supports the ongoing development of compassionate, person-centred, and evidence-based interventions and healthcare.

Supervision

Kenny has supervised many research/graduate students to undertake projects in the areas of cleft, aviation safety, anti-ableist practice and continually works on projects with colleagues around the world. If you have a project or idea which you think aligns with Kenny's research interests, please don't hesitate to get in touch.