ASHA 2016

img_1507The name of the city Philadelphia is Greek for brotherly love, was certainly in abundance at this year’s annual gathering of more than 16,000 “Speechies”.  While Philly is a diverse city steeped in American history (we checked on the Liberty Bell), it is also host to innovative museums and new restaurants. “Lo Spiedo” (the Spit) Restaurant, from acclaimed chef Marc Vetri fame, lived up to my expectations of outstanding of fresh food prepared over a wood-burning flame.

 

I always have a sense of excitement and expectation with the start of our annual meeting of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. It is a time to share ideas, meet up with old friends, colleagues and alum, and have a short time to enjoy a new city. The NU CSD faculty featured strongly, with everyone presenting on a current topic/area of interest. Dr. O’Neil presented on topics ranging from Brain Injury to Voice and a session on Spanish Speaking Parent Support. Dr. Schlosser participated in a number of sessions with regard to AAC and ASD. Dr. Book presented on the relationship between play and language in toddlers from the Project Play study. Dr. Zimmerman presented on her meta-analysis with premature infant outcomes for school age children. I had the wonderful opportunity to present with colleagues from the MIT Media Lab on the data from our pilot study with preschool children using SpeechBlocks, a literacy app prototype.

 

Congratulations to the NU MS SLP graduate students who presented posters on their research at this year’s meeting: Leigh Borkowski on “Educating SLPs working in EI on Environmental Health”; Emily Manny on “Acoustic and Perceptual Voice Responses to Testosterone Therapy”; Courtney DeSousa on “An Examination of Visual Stimuli Suck Patterning and their influence in Infants “; and Daniel Reilly on “The Interaction of Speech Characteristics and Listener Attitudes Towards Speakers with Dysarthria.”   Congratulations to MS SLP graduate students Carly Turner, Julie Landino and and Crissy Economou on their work with Dr. Book on the Project Play presentation.

 

The NU CSD graduate fair table was well attended by interested students from near and far. I am impressed at the number of undergraduate students who already have research and related work experience on their resumes. Many thanks to the second year MS SLP students who shared their experiences with potential applicants.

 

 

We had a great get together on Friday night with past and present Boston Speechies. Great to catch up with so many alum who are working in a variety of settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools and private practice. You make us proud!

 

See you next year in LA!