May 2020 Clinical Doctorate in Audiology and Master's in Speech-Language Pathology graduate spotlights

08 May 2020    

Five students completing graduate degrees – Amanda Evert, Joanna Hill, Elizabeth Hoffman, Kelly Malcolm and Nikki Plummer – share Q-and-As ahead of the May 9, 2020, commencement ceremony.

Amanda Evert

Howells, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska at Kearney)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
I attended one of UNL’s open house events and was impressed with the diverse clinical practicum opportunities, the numerous ongoing research projects, and professors who are experts in the field who would be teaching our graduate classes and labs. I was also excited about the elective course options which allowed me to personalize my graduate experience based on my passions.

When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
Since high school when I job shadowed and saw firsthand the impact our services have across the age span. I knew I wanted to become a part of this change and make a difference. 

What are your plans after graduation?
Upon graduation, I will begin my Clinical Fellowship year toward the path of Speech-Language Pathology certification. I have accepted a full-time position at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, Nebraska. Here I will provide evaluation and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders across the age span in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Joanna Hill

Hershey, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance, Nebraska Wesleyan University)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
The biggest factor in my decision to attend UNL for my master’s was the experience it had to offer. UNL does an amazing job of creating a well-rounded experience. I found myself fitting in well with a hands-on experience in the on-campus clinic, opportunities for research with faculty members, and classes that were both medical- and school-based.

When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
After I finished my bachelor's, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career where I could help people. My love for language and vocal pedagogy helped me make the decision and after attending an SLP open house at UNL, I knew it was the right career for me.

What are your plans after graduation?
I have accepted a position at Cedar Bluffs Public Schools and will be the SLP for Pre-K through 12.

Elizabeth Hoffman

Lincoln, Nebraska | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Nebraska)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your master’s program?
The biggest factor in my decision to attend UNL for my master’s program was being able to continue gaining research experience at UNL’s Communication Neuroscience Laboratories.

When did you know you wanted to become a speech-language pathologist?
I knew I wanted to become a speech-language pathologist while job shadowing a speech-language pathologist in an elementary school as an undergraduate student.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will be working as a speech-language pathologist for the Blue Valley School District in Overland Park, Kansas.

Kelly Malcolm

Knob Noster, Missouri | Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences & Bachelor of Health Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend UNL for your Au.D. program?
There were several reasons I decided to attend UNL, however, two really stand out to me. The first was the amount of outreach UNL's Au.D. program has available for students in the community, the state, and abroad. My interest is increasing access to hearing healthcare and UNL strives to do that through Clinic With a Heart, the Nebraska Hearing Aid Banks, and HearU International. The second reason I chose UNL was because of how great the people are. Even at the open house I felt welcome and at home.

When did you know you wanted to be an audiologist?
My senior year of my undergraduate degree I shadowed an audiologist and knew it was the profession for me right away. Seeing the impact an audiologist can have on individuals by treating and managing hearing loss and balance disorders is such a rewarding career. Communication is a necessity of every individual and without it there are many negative effects on a person's quality of life. I have seen many audiologists improve the lives of others and I hope to do the same in the future.

What aspect of your Au.D. program was most helpful during your fourth-year externship?
The amount of clinical experience that I had as well as the in-depth course work in vestibular audiology was the most helpful during my fourth-year externship at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. I was well prepared for the fast pace and complex patient load that this major medical institution has.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending Harvard University to obtain a Master of Public Health in Global Health. My career goal is to develop and implement cost-effective and sustainable audiology services in areas where access to hearing healthcare is difficult. This includes various parts of the United States as well as low- and middle-income countries such as Nicaragua.

Nikki Plummer

North Platte, Nebraska | Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Central Arkansas)

What was the biggest factor in your decision to attend Nebraska for your Au.D. program?
I chose to attend UNL for graduate school because of how welcoming the faculty and staff were when I came for my on-campus tour. I felt that they had a strong program from the information they shared with me and I enjoyed how genuine and friendly they all were.

When did you know you wanted to be an audiologist?
I knew I wanted to be an Audiologist right before I applied to graduate school. I think I had been led in this direction several years before that, but it wasn’t until I was accepted into UNL that I realized this was the path I wanted to take and everything aligned for it to happen.

What aspect of your Au.D. program was most helpful during your fourth-year externship?
I believe my clinical rotations are what prepared me the most for my fourth-year externship. I felt that I had very well-rounded experiences and I had exposure to all patient populations before entering into my fourth year.

What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently unsure of my plans for after graduation due to the current pandemic. A lot of things have changed in the last month or so, so I’m just waiting to see where my career will take me and am remaining hopeful in the meantime.