Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Students Present Research at ArkSHA Convention

Several undergraduate students from the U of A Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDI) program recently presented research projects at the annual Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArkSHA) Convention, highlighting student-led work focused on clinical practice, research and community resources in speech-language pathology.

The student presentations covered a range of topics, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), bilingual intervention, mentorship programs for children with varying abilities and evidence-based clinical procedures. These projects represent the culmination of honors projects and theses, faculty mentorship and undergraduate research within the program.

Students and their presentations included Marisa Hale, who presented on implementing mentoring programs for children with varying abilities; Riley Lowery and Shelby Wilson, who presented "A Platform for Purpose: The Creation of a Podcast for Health Professions"; Katelyn Schluterman, who presented "Voice Screening in University Clinic: An Evidence-Based Approach to Current Procedures"; Lillian Griffith, who presented research investigating speech-language pathologists' perceptions of bilingual AAC intervention and quality of care; and Vianney Solis, who presented "AAC & ALS; La Pareja Más Fuerte (The Strongest Pair)." Student mentors included Chris Holyfield, Jessica Danley, Cindy Watson, Lexi Woods and Rachel Glade.

For many students, presenting at the professional conference provided an opportunity to share their work with clinicians and researchers from across Arkansas while gaining valuable professional experience.

Solis presented an honors project focused on developing an informational brochure to support individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families. The resource highlights the importance of early introduction of AAC devices and provides accessible information about communication options as the disease progresses. "Presenting this at ArkSHA was an exciting opportunity, and I am very grateful that I was able to do so," Solis said. "I felt nervous leading up to the event, but also proud of the product I developed and the work I had done up to this point. Everyone in the room was supportive and listened attentively, which reassured me that the work I had done was impactful."

Schluterman's project examined current voice screening procedures used in the U of A Speech and Hearing Clinic and explored ways to strengthen the process using evidence-based practices. "Presenting it was a meaningful experience that helped me grow as a student and prepared me for graduate school," Schluterman said. "Through this project, we identified ways to improve the screening process, and our findings have paved the way for future honors projects and exciting developments in the clinic."

Griffith conducted survey-based research on the perceptions and practices of U.S.-based speech-language pathologists regarding bilingual AAC service provision. "I was initially very nervous about presenting, but I had a very positive experience!" Griffith said. "After my presentation, I had the chance to speak to some SLPs about my research and how it is applicable to their work. It was so cool to see how my undergraduate thesis research connects to real-world SLP experiences and how it contributes to the field. My ArkSHA experience made me excited about the possibility of future research that builds off the foundational data in my thesis."

Through opportunities like conference presentations and faculty-guided research, the Communication Sciences and Disorders program prepares students to contribute to the field of speech-language pathology while developing professional and clinical skills before entering graduate studies.