line of children laughing with arms around each other's shoulders

Lab Director

Ciara Ousley

Ciara Ousley, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Email: cousley2@unl.edu

Dr. Ciara Ousley is the director of The SCADD Lab and an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-D) and a former special educator in the states of Ohio and Nebraska. Her research and publications have focused on supporting the social communication skills of young children with autism and other developmental disabilities through speech and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In her free time, Dr. Ousley enjoys spending time with her beloved pets (one cat and two dogs) and husband. When she is not in the lab, she can be spotted on the running trails around Lincoln and cheering on the Huskers.

Graduate Researcher

Hannah Kitsmiller

Hannah Kitsmiller

Hannah Kitsmiller is a graduate student at UNL in the Speech-Language Pathology program. She is originally from Columbus, Ohio. Hannah completed her bachelor’s degree at Ohio State University majoring in neuroscience and speech and hearing sciences. At Ohio State, she was involved in Dr. Allison Bean’s Language, Assistive Technology, and Autism lab. She is passionate about AAC and hopes to serve those with complex communication needs across the lifespan as an SLP and researcher. In her free time, Hannah loves to dance, sew, and explore new places.

Undergraduate Researchers

Mallory Bellamy Picture

Mallory Bellamy

Mallory Bellamy is an undergraduate student at UNL from Kearney, Nebraska. She is majoring in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in education, and plans to pursue her master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Mallory is very passionate about volunteering. She also enjoys working as a certified nursing assistant, as well as being a mentor for an individual with autism. She hopes to be a medical or pediatric speech-language pathologist. In her free time, she loves to read, bake, travel, and spend time with her friends and family.

Shelby Neiman

Shelby Neiman

Shelby Neiman is an undergraduate student at UNL majoring in elementary and special education (K-6). She is a native of Auburn, Nebraska. After graduating with her undergraduate degree, Shelby plans to pursue her master's degree in speech-language pathology with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist at an elementary school. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, go golfing, and read books.

Jenna Rogers

Jenna Rogers

Jenna Rogers is an undergraduate student at UNL from Rutherford, New Jersey majoring in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in education. Jenna wants to pursue her masters degree in Speech Pathology while exhausting her eligibility on the track and field team at UNL. Her goal is to open her own private practice specializing in Autism. Jenna’s passions include volunteering with various organizations, high jumping, and trying new foods!

Rylie Riepl

Rylie Riepl

Rylie Riepl recently graduated with her BA from UNL. She is from Gretna, Nebraska and is majoring in commination sciences and disorders, with a minor in education. Her goal is to obtain her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology as a first-generation college student! Rylie is super passionate about working with school-aged children and hopes to work in a school setting one day. She loves volunteering and making connections within the Lincoln community. Right now, Rylie is volunteering for an organization for individuals with Down Syndrome! In her free time she loves going on walks with her dog, watching movies, as well as spending time with family and friends!

Abbie Summers

Abbie Summers

Abbie Summers is an undergraduate student at UNL pursuing a degree in Communication and Science Disorders with a minor in Education. She is a native of Norfolk, Nebraska. Once she completes her undergraduate degree, Abbie plans on obtaining her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, hoping to focus on Autism and other Development Communication Disorders. Her goal is to open a clinic specializing in these areas and community outreach programs. Abbie loves advocating and bringing attention to early intervention and understanding the vast differences of living on the spectrum. In her free time, she loves visiting family, reading, and going on runs with her toy Australian Shepard.

SCADD Lab Alumni

Sidney Stallbaum

Nyah Thaemert