RECENT MENTORED STUDENT RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS AND SCIENCES Valerie E. Boyer, PhD, CCC-SLP Associate Professor, Program Coordinator Communication Disorders and Sciences

Communication Disorders and Sciences

Voice health for singing majors and teacher education majors The project tracked vocal health via self report measures to determine if frequent voice users were maintaining healthy vocal hygiene habits during both professional and personal activities. Two student authors lead this mentored project out of Dr. Franca’s voice lab. Erin Koester, an undergraduate student presented the findings at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention (ASHA) in Los Angeles, CA. Erin was selected for the PROGENY program based on the quality of her work.

Autism spectrum disorder and the criminal justice system The project aimed to facilitate increased awareness of social and communication aspects of autism spectrum disorder among law students and increase awareness of aspects of the criminal justice system that require communication skills. Erin partnered with Melissa Marlow in the SIUC School of Law.

Auditory processing disorder awareness among educators Chandra Gilliam, an undergraduate major in CDS, completed an undergraduate thesis project mentored by Atheana Meadows, CCC-A. Chandra surveyed educators in the region regarding their knowledge of and accommodation for students with auditory processing disorders. Chandra presented results of this survey investigation at the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA) Convention in Rosemont, IL.

Current standards on neuropathic treatment dosage This project is focused on identifying current best practices related to exercise dosage recommendations for speech exercise following a neurological event. A graduate student, Olivia O’Donnell, has led this project presenting the current phase at the Illinois State Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention (ISHA) in Rosemont, IL.