Communication Sciences and Disorders PhD Directory

Lesley J. Raisor-Becker

Assistant Professor-Educator, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

371 HSB

513-967-4349

raisorlj@ucmail.uc.edu

Lesley Raisor-Becker, PhD, is a researcher, teacher, and practicing clinician specializing in the language and literacy development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.  Her research interests include:  the effects of prenatal drug/alcohol exposure on development, social skill and executive function in children, and pedagogy/supervision.  She is also interested in the use of integrative health practices in allied health disciplines.  She has taught numerous online and face-to-face courses and has presented at the national, state, and local levels.

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Krista A. Beyrer

Director of Clinical Education, SLP; Associate Professor Clinical, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

361 HSB

513-558-8522

beyrerka@ucmail.uc.edu

Krista is an Associate Professor Clinical and the Director of Clinical Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders (SLP) at UC. Her clinical focus is adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders. She is also an undergraduate mentor and Capstone advisor. Krista has taught Neurogenic Speech Disorders, Neurogenic Language Disorders, Clinical Process I:  Professional Issues and Assessment, NeuroCognitive Disorders and Healthcare Ethics. Krista holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology, Ohio State Licensure, Ohio Board and Teaching Certifications, Kentucky State License and is also a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

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Suzanne E. Boyce

Professor & Graduate Program Director , CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

355 HSB

513-558-8509

boycese@ucmail.uc.edu

Suzanne Boyce, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and has been in CAHS since 1997. She has a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Yale University and a C. A. G. S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Boston University. She studies the differences in motor control strategies for speech across languages and has published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, the Journal of Phonetics, and Phonetica. Her current work specifically examines the motor control of the tongue for difficult sounds in children with resistant speech sound disorders. She is also interested in problems with difficult sounds in later childhood signal a disordered path in acquiring motor control of the tongue. She believes that articulatory timing information can be extracted from the speech signal and used to guide clinical intervention. Her studies have been funded by the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and she is currently seeking funding from National Science Foundation. She expects that her future work will test/explore the application of Ultrasound Feedback to Second Language Learning. In 10-20 years, Dr. Boyce most hopes to be known for pioneering ultrasound feedback technology, making phonetic knowledge about tongue motor control relevant for clinical use, and finding clinical use for knowledge about tongue movement timing control. She would also like to leave a teaching legacy of a database for development of laboratory exercises on disordered speech. 

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Nancy Creaghead

Professor, Communication Sciences & Disorders, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

375 HSB

513-558-8511

creaghea@ucmail.uc.edu

Dr. Nancy Creaghead is Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Cincinnati. She is responsible teaching in the areas of language acquisition and intervention. She has had previous experience in preschool classes for language impaired and hearing impaired children and in a special school for learning disabled children. Her research, publications and presentations have been primarily in the areas of language and phonological acquisition and disorders and classroom communication. Since 1993, she has been involved in developing distance learning programs to address shortages of SLPs in several states. She has lectured at numerous workshops and meetings at the local, state, national and international levels, including the 1978 through 2011 ASHA conventions. She holds an M.S. from Purdue University and Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati and is an ASHA Fellow and recipient of the Honors of the Association. She served two terms on the ASHA Executive Board and was President of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 2002. She also served as President of the Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

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Aimee Dietz

Professor & Program Director MA SLP Program , CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

365 HSB

513-558-8551

dietzae@ucmail.uc.edu

Dr. Aimee Dietz is speech-language pathologist who has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for people with aphasia—first as a clinician, then as a clinical researcher. She earned her Bachelor’s (1998) and Master’s (2001) degrees from Florida State University. During her clinical work, Dr. Dietz quickly learned that rehabilitation for people with aphasia is grossly limiting. She reports that, “During inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation we work hard to restore lost language functions and when the person “plateaus” in their recovery, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is provided to help them communicate—leaving them to feel as if therapists have given up on them and that recovery has ended.” For these reasons, she completed her PhD (2007), with a focus on understanding unique considerations involved in the development of AAC interface designs for people with aphasia under the direction of Drs. David Beukelman and Karen Hux at the University of Nebraska.
 
Since arriving at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in 2008, Dr. Dietz has forged a line of research examining the role of AAC as language recovery tool, using neuroimaging technologies to identify neurobiomarkers for AAC-induced language recovery. To achieve this goal, Dr. Dietz developed a strong collaboration with the UC Neurology Stroke Team and co-founded the Neurorecovery Lab along with Drs. Pierce Boyne (CAHS) and Wole Awosika (College of Medicine). The Neurorecovery Lab houses the Language Recovery & Communication Technology Lab which routinely supports at least 10 student researchers and multiple AAC-focused research projects funded by NIH and UC grants, as well as ASHA support. Over the years, Dr. Dietz has mentored over 50 students, including the advising of summer undergraduate students through various programs such as McNair, University Honors Program, and Women in Science and Engineering. These students all spend 40 hours/week in the lab for 12 weeks during the summer and require high-levels of interaction and feedback to complete the demanding completion requirements. Dr. Dietz also enjoys mentoring PhD students, as well as junior faculty; she actively pursues opportunities to enhance her mentoring skills.
 
Outside of her research, Dr. Dietz is responsible for teaching the aphasia and advanced AAC courses to graduate students and serves as the Director the campus-based MA SLP program. Dr. Dietz reports that guiding students through their journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role at UC.

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Jeffrey J. DiGiovanni

Professor and Chair, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

353 HSB

513-558-5446

digiovjy@ucmail.uc.edu

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Sarah Hamilton Dugan

Post Doc Fellow, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

EDWARDS 4 Edwards Center

513-324-7722

hamilsm@ucmail.uc.edu

I am a postdoctoral fellow, a licensed speech-language pathologist, and an early career investigator. I have BAs in English and Linguistics, MA degrees in English, Speech Language Pathology, and Linguistics, and a doctorate in Speech Language Pathology. I am currently in the Psychology department at University of Cincinnati where I am learning methods for investigating motor control from an ecological theory perspective. My clinical fellowship was in the University of Cincinnati Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, where I worked mainly with children with residual sound errors using ultrasound for biofeedback. My experimental research has focused on auditory perceptual evaluation and articulatory characteristics of /r/ speech errors. I am closely connected with clinical training, both of students and current SLP professionals. I have given research presentations about ultrasound biofeedback therapy at national conferences and been invited to give talks about our work in seminars, both local and national. Evidence of my commitment to teaching and training can be seen in the two teaching awards given to me by my college during my doctoral degree. I also have a strong dedication to translational clinical research. I won a national award for my clinical research record, given by the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions, and I have taken coursework to earn a certificate in Clinical and Translational Research from University of Cincinnati’s Center for Clinical and Translational Studies. Most recently as a postdoctoral fellow, I have managed two grants (NIH Translational R01 Grant 1R01DC013668-01, “Improving clinical speech remediation with ultrasound technology,” and the University of Cincinnati Strategic Collaborative Initiative Grant “Improving speech motor performance with simplified visual targets from ultrasound”). For both projects, I have recruited patients, conducted experimental clinical research using ultrasound, successfully trained laboratory personnel, and collaborated with interdisciplinary professionals at multiple sites.

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Brian R. Earl

Associate Professor, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

385 HSB

513-558-4611

earlbn@ucmail.uc.edu

Initially trained as a clinical audiologist at the University of Arizona and the University of Texas Medical Branch, I am currently focusing on developing a clinical test of auditory nerve survival in an animal model of neural degeneration.  This technique was piloted as part of my dissertation and post-doctoral training at the University of Kansas.  Translation of this technique to a clinical setting may help audiologists individualize hearing aid and cochlear implant algorithms and guide future implementation of regenerative therapies. 

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Stacey M Gerding

Asst Professor - Adj Rep, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

363 HSB

513-558-8582

gerdinsm@ucmail.uc.edu

Stacey is a licensed speech-language pathologist and clinical supervisor for UC's Speech and Hearing Clinic. She provides clinical services related to stuttering / fluency, accent modification, language disorders / delay, social skills intervention, ultrasound biofeedback for /r/, and speech sound disorders across the lifespan. 

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Lisa N Kelchner

Professor Emerita, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

353 French East

513-558-8518

kelchnl@ucmail.uc.edu

Dr. Kelchner is a tenured professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Cincinnati where she is dedicated to the graduate education and training of future clinicians and researchers. She currently teaches graduate coursework in the area of voice and swallowing disorders to both campus and distance learning students. Research areas of interest include swallowing, voice and complex airway disorders and telehealth. She is actively involved in translational, and clinical research focused on how the voice can be used to indicate the competence of the larynx in airway protection and investigating the role of lingual pressures in swallowing disorders. She has established a voice and swallowing research lab at the University of Cincinnati where masters and doctoral students have collaborative projects with area hospitals and physician practices. Since 2005, Dr. Kelchner has been a clinical research affiliate with the Department of Speech Pathology at the Cincinnati Hospital Medical Center where she is part of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to the clinical care and research of voice outcomes in children who post airway reconstruction. Dr. Kelchner has numerous publications and regularly contributes presentations to scientific and clinical forums.

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Victoria Sue McKenna

Asst Professor, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

HSB

513-558-8507

mckennvs@ucmail.uc.edu

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Amber Nicole Meadows

Asst Professor - Educator, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

381 HSB

513-558-1416

meadowae@ucmail.uc.edu

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Erin E. Redle

Adjunct Assistant Professor , CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

392C HSB

513-558-5506

creacher@ucmail.uc.edu

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Carrie E Rountrey

Asst Professor, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

379 HSB

513-558-8994

rountrce@ucmail.uc.edu

I am an early-stage researcher rooted in clinical practice. My questions are informed by 15 years of clinical experience. My overarching goal is to inform current clinical practice in speech-language pathology with immediately applicable research that demonstrates how to efficiently and effectively quantify intelligibility and acoustic correlates of speech intelligibility. Participants in my research are those with dysarthria secondary to Parkinson's disease or other acquired neurogenic etiology, as well as healthy volunteers for comparison.

My lab is in development during AY 2019-20 and we hope to be taking participants soon.

I have experience teaching a variety of courses within the Communication Sciences and Disorders curriculum as well as general neuroscience courses for Allied Health Professions and pre-medical students. Some of these include:

• Independent Research Study
• Neural Bases of Communication
• Neural Mechanisms of Speech, Hearing & Language (Case Based Learning)
• Pre-Clinical Observation
• Management and Assessment of Voice Disorders
• Speech Science: Anatomy & Physiology, Speech & Hearing
• Capstone in CSD
• Dysphagia
• Advanced Clinical Practicum
• Introductory Clinical Practicum

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Katherine J. Russell

Asst Professor - Educator, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

377 HSB

513-558-8520

russeke@ucmail.uc.edu

Areas of Specialization: Clinical Education and Supervision, Pediatric Audiology, Cochlear Implants, Educational Audiology

Academic Contributions: Audiology Program Director and Director of Clinical Education. Coordinates and manages all off campus audiology practicum rotations for AuD students including the final year externship. Teaches academic courses in audiology.  Supervises graduate students completing hearing screenings at Head Start and other community events.  

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Peter M. Skip' Scheifele

Professor, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

HSB

513-558-8519

scheifpr@ucmail.uc.edu

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Carolyn (Carney) D Sotto

Undergraduate Program Director, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

384 HSB

513-558-8528

sottocd@ucmail.uc.edu

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Gloria E Valencia, Au.D., CCC-A

Adjunct Instructor, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

357 HSB

513-558-8503

devaleg@ucmail.uc.edu

Gloria E. Valencia, AuD, CCC-A
Clinical Audiologist & Adjunct Assistant Profesor of Clinical
Gloria earned her bachelor degree in 1987 with a major in Communication Science and Disorders from the Catholic University of Manizales, Colombia. After graduation she joined the same institution as an undergraduate professor of audiology and performed this function for eight years. During this time she also worked as a clinical audiologist, clinical researcher, and supervised numerous students during their internships in the Audiology clinic.
In 1993, she attended a fellowship in electrophysiology at the Dr. Manuel Gea González Hospital and another in neurophysiology at the Instituto Nacional de la Comunicación Humana, both institutions located in Mexico City. At the end of the same year, she had an internship in two centers in Los Angeles, the House Ear Institute and the John Tracy Clinic.
In 1995 she relocated to the United States and enrolled in the Audiology Master program at the University of Cincinnati. After graduation in 2000, she worked for different Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) offices and hearing aid companies in the area. She has performed hearing screenings in different schools and Health Fairs around the Greater Cincinnati Area.
In 2009, Gloria joined the University of Cincinnati, where provides supervision to first year Au.D.on and off-campus evaluating and treating adolescents and adults with hearing problems. In addition, she forms part of the interdisciplinary group dedicated to the diagnosis and management of Central Auditory Processing Disorders.
Gloria earned her Doctoral degree in Audiology from Arizona School of Health Sciences, A.T. Still University in 2012.
Gloria has a special interest in people with diverse backgrounds and her bilingual skills (Spanish-English) provide her with a unique perspective in dealing with monolingual and bilingual populations. She is currently co-owner of Bilingual Audiology.

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Jennifer Vannest

Associate Professor, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

HSB

513-585-8518

vannesjr@ucmail.uc.edu

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Karla N Washington

Associate Professor and Director PedLLS Lab, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

392D HSB

513-558-8533

washink2@ucmail.uc.edu

Karla Washington is an Associate Professor and licensed speech-language pathologist with certification/licensure in Canada, Jamaica, and the United States. She studies speech and language development and disorders across a linguistic spectrum using various technologies (e.g., acoustic analysis and neuroimaging) and applies the lens of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health - Children and Youth (ICF-CY; WHO, 2007). Her research with monolingual English speaking children aims to understand variation in response interventions with known efficacy. Her population of focus is children diagnosed with developmental language disorders and those who are typically developing. Her research with bilingual children aims to characterize typical versus disordered profiles in speech sound production and expressive language. She has uses Jamaican Creole and English-speaking children as a model system to achieve this characterization. She has active programs of clinical research in each area of focus and leads an interdisciplinary and international team of researchers that is improving our understanding of the developing child.

Karla Washington is published in journals such as American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology; Child Care Health and Development; Child Language Teaching and Therapy, International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology; Journal of Communication Disorders; and Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Her research has been funded by entities such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati Office of Research, and an Endowment to the Jamaican Creole Language Project.

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Lisa Williamson

Adj Instructor of Clinical, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

358 HSB

513-218-5792

willi3lo@ucmail.uc.edu

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Fawen Zhang

Professor, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

367 HSB

513-558-8513

zhangfe@ucmail.uc.edu

Fawen Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Cincinnati. She received her medical degree in China and Ph.D. in Audiology from the University of South Alabama. After graduation, she continued her postdoctoral training in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Iowa until August 2007 when she started her faculty position at University of Cincinnati. She was promoted as an Associate Professor in 2013 and Professor in 2018. Her interest is in the neural mechanisms of normal and abnormal hearing using Electrophysiological techniques.

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Kathleen B. Hykle

Business Manager, CAHS Business Office

HSB

513-558-8502

hyklek@ucmail.uc.edu

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Karen Elizabeth Meyer

Program Coordinator, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

French East

513-558-8501

meyer2k3@ucmail.uc.edu

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Linda L Roedig

Program Coordinator, CAHS Communication Sciences & Disorders

G65 French East

513-558-8503

roedigla@ucmail.uc.edu

Being the Program Coordinator of the CSD clinic, I enjoy the best of both worlds, by having the pleasure of working closely with faculty and students. We provide speech and audiology services, including hearing aids to the community, as well as, contracting  out with head start programs and retirement homes to enrich their communication skills. It is very rewarding.  Outside of UC, I  spend much of my free time volunteering in the community and promoting our clinic.

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