Research

Faculty in the Speech Pathology and Audiology department have a diverse selection of scholarly research and contributions.

Our Research

Research in Disability Studies - Peggy Goetz, Ph.D.

This research focuses on the experiences of stroke survivors and their caregivers in their religious communities. Dr. Goetz uses interviews and ethnographic methods to describe the experiences of those with communication disorders.

Calvin Audiology Research Lab (CARL) - Brian Kreisman, Ph.D., CCC-A, FAAA

Areas of study include hearing aids, speech perception, and hearing-related quality of life. Students have joined Dr. Kreisman in research studies on the effect of aural rehabilitation groups in hearing aid use and satisfaction, the effects of speech rate on speech perception, test-retest variability of extended high-frequency pure-tone audiometric thresholds, consumers’ perspectives on hearing assistive technology, and the effects of hearing loss and hearing aids on spiritual quality of life.

Research in Traumatic Brain Injury - Heather Koole, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Dr. Koole is an assistant professor in the Speech Pathology and Audiology department. Her primary research interests include school and community reintegration following traumatic brain injury and interprofessional education.

Swallowing and Voice Laboratory - Elizabeth Oommen, Ph.D.

Research focuses on quantifying swallowing function and the effects of intervention strategies in healthy individuals and individuals with dysphagia using objective tools and measures such as sEMG and manometry, temporal, and biomechanical measurements.