May 2016 Audiology Graduate Spotlights
05 May 2016
Courtney Robertson | Cincinnati, Ohio/Lincoln, Neb. | Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Minors in Education and Child, Youth & Family StudiesDid you know this is what you wanted to study when you came to UNL?
"Yes and no. Coming into my freshman year, I knew I wanted to pursue a major that allowed me to help others as a profession. My aunt is a speech pathologist and after talking with her I decided I would major in speech-language pathology. However, I decided to 'change' my major to audiology before my junior year. Changing from speech-language pathology to audiology only required me to take a couple more science-based classes. I didn't actually have to change majors through my college like some do."
What made you interested in audiology?
"I became interested in audiology after taking Intro to Audiology with Dr. Pritchett. It amazed me that such a small part of the human body plays such a vital role in our ability to communicate on a daily basis. I've been hooked ever since!"
What was your favorite class in the program and why?
"My favorite class was Intro to Audiology. This was the class that helped me find my passion. I caught on to the material quickly and found myself actually wanting to study and learn more about the topics."
What has been the most rewarding aspect of studying in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders?
"The most rewarding aspect of studying in this department has been having the opportunity to work with faculty and staff. Every professor I have had throughout my undergraduate career has been nothing short of excellent. They are the most helpful, sincere and knowledgeable people, and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from them the past four years. By learning from them, I know I will be well prepared to help others in my future career!"
What's next for you?
"I will be attending graduate school for audiology here at UNL and I absolutely cannot wait!"
Sara Walker | De Soto, Mo. | Doctor of Audiology
Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders, Truman State University
What made you choose UNL's program?
"An audiologist that I shadowed while deciding to pursue audiology mentioned that she completed her externship at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, and that there was a connection between Boys Town and the audiology program at UNL. I decided to visit the Barkley Center during an open house, and the welcoming atmosphere of the visit made me seriously consider UNL as an option for graduate school."
Who or what in the UNL Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders has had the most positive impact on you?
"Everyone I worked with in the department, including my classmates, has had a positive impact on me, so it isn't possible to single out one person. The clinical and academic faculty worked well together to foster a positive learning environment and to help me develop into a confident clinician. Outside clinical placements and completing the capstone project also aided in that process. The program as a whole truly helped me grow both professionally and personally."
What has been the most rewarding aspect of studying in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders?
"For me, the most rewarding aspect of studying in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders was the opportunity to begin working with patients almost immediately. It helped greatly with developing my clinical skills, and in applying concepts learned in the classroom to a clinical setting. Being able to forge those connections with patients from the beginning of the program added a great deal of meaning to what I learned outside of the clinic."
What's next for you?
"After graduation, I will finish my externship at the Harry S. Truman Memorial VA in Columbia, Mo., until the beginning of July. Following that, I would like to remain in the VA system working as a clinical audiologist."
Special Education and Communication Disorders