Sept. 11, 2020

This is part of a New Faculty Spotlight series in which we introduce all new faculty members for the 2020-2021 academic year. See the full list of new faculty. 

What is your title with Health Professions?

Assistant Professor, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

What classes are you teaching this semester?

 SLHS 8001, Seminar in Medical Speech-Language Pathology

What do you love about teaching?

I enjoy the connection you can make with students by sharing knowledge and experiences.

Tell us a bit about yourself! What’s your background?

I have a master’s and Ph.D. in speech-language pathology. Prior to entering academia I worked clinically, primarily in medical settings. Before coming to the University of Missouri, I worked at another institution for three years teaching and conducting research.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy being outdoors when I am able. I love to garden and cook. I also enjoy being around water and boating. I’m a huge sports fan and am excited to get to experience Mizzou sports as well as enjoy the other sports this state has to offer.

What brought you to Mizzou?

I wanted the opportunity to be a part of something great. The Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences is full of talented faculty working hard each day to bring the best in teaching and research to the students, university, and community; that combined with the School of Health Professions mission and plans makes me excited for my own research and teaching.

Tell us about your research interests/area of focus. What made you interested in this area within your field?

Cancer-related communication, feeding, and swallowing disorders are my primary research interests. I am also interested in increasing education in the area of swallowing disorders to current and future professionals. My passion for this line of research grew when I discovered how many individuals are effected on a daily basis, yet the scant amount of research being directed to this area.

What are you most excited about in regards to the upcoming semester/working at Mizzou/your research?

I am extremely excited about the opportunities and possibilities that Mizzou has to offer. As an individual with interests in cancer-related research it is exciting to be where there is a medical school, cancer center, the Next Gen initiative. I am also excited to my share my knowledge and skills with our students in an effort to expand their experiences.