PhD '23 Alumni

What year did you start the program?  
2019
 

List your prior degrees and institutions
BPhil in Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2016
MS in Speech-Language Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2018
 

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 am interested in understanding the cognitive, linguistic, and neurological factors that contribute to language impairment in aphasia and treatment outcomes.
 

What do you think is special about the PhD in RS program here at IHP?   
The PhD in RS program is interdisciplinary and offers the unique opportunity to collaborate and learn from researchers and clinicians across rehabilitation science disciplines. Not only does this collaboration challenge my thinking but it also allows me to hone my interdisciplinary discussion skills which are essential for sharing ideas within research and clinical settings. I also value that there are dedicated teaching courses in the curriculum as teaching is an essential skill for a future in academia. 
 

Why did you choose to come to this program rather than a doctoral research program in your specific profession?  
I chose to come to MGH-IHP for the opportunity to work with Dr. Sofia Vallila-Rohter as she is conducting novel and exciting research that answers clinical and theoretical questions related to aphasia. I was also eager to be a part of the Cognitive Neuroscience Group which would allow me to work closely with and learn from other speech-language pathologists conducting research in the domain of cognitive neuroscience.  
 

What are your goals for the future after you graduate?
It is my goal to obtain a faculty position at a university that will allow me to conduct research, practice clinically, and teach and mentor students.