PhD '23 Alumni
What year did you start the program?
2019
List your prior degrees and institutions
MS, Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
BA, Psychology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
What was your research setting(s), mentor’s name and name of lab (if appropriate)
Lab: Cognitive Neuroscience Group, MGH Institute of Health Professions
Mentor: Sofia Vallila-Rohter, PhD, CCC-SLP
What was your research focused on (please provide a brief summary statement in layman’s terms?
I became interested in research during my time in the CSD master’s program at the IHP. I had amazing mentors who supported me in completing a master’s thesis project. I brought these skills and passion for research into my clinical role as an SLP. As a practicing clinician, I continued to engage in research activities within the hospital setting; however, I felt that I needed more formalized training to be able to lead clinical research projects. My research interests are in the areas of implementation science, health service delivery, patient centered care and clinical decision-making in aphasia care and rehabilitation, generally.
What do you think is special about the PhD in RS program here at IHP?
I have been connected to the IHP for the past 13 years through various roles and collaborations, making the Institute a familiar home. There is a supportive and positive culture at the IHP. I value the Institute's focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and care.
What are your goals for the future after you graduate?
My long term career goal is to serve as a teacher-researcher within a hospital affiliated university. Given my roots as a clinician, it is important to me that my research supports clinical practice.