Caroline Stewart presenting her honors thesis at ASHA convention; 2024

Author: Caroline Stewart | Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders | Semester: Fall 2024

As a SURF grant recipient and an honors student in the Communication Disorders program, I had the incredible opportunity to research language skills of children who are Deaf or hard of hearing (D/hh). My mentor, Dr. Lisa Bowers, guided me through the process as we explored language sampling methodologies in local preschool settings. This was our second semester working together in the preschools as well as holding weekly meetings to discuss new research and brainstorm our papers.

My research centered on understanding how language samples are collected for children in preschools around our community, with a specific focus on children who are D/hh. By studying these language samples, we are wanting to improve educational and clinical outcomes for these children. We also wanted to focus on raising awareness of the unique needs of children with hearing loss and providing tools to ensure fair language development support. This research also contributes to the broader field of communication disorders, where inclusivity is always a critical challenge.

I found Dr. Bowers in my sophomore year through a research class to prepare for my thesis. Her publications on the language abilities of children who are D/hh inspired me. I was introduced to her by Dr. Rachel Glade, my honors professor for clinical observations. Dr. Glade’s recommendation and Dr. Bowers’ passion for her field convinced me that this was the right path for my honors thesis. Dr. Bowers suggested a project aligning with her expertise and my interests, and we collaborated to narrow down our research focus.

Diving into the world of child language samples, I gained hands-on experience administering the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) in local Head Start programs. This standardized test assesses children’s semantic growth and serves as a foundational tool for our language sampling efforts. I also developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children who are D/hh, including the critical need for early intervention and educational support. I also discovered the skills required to navigate research, such as reading through scientific literature and focusing on a research question.

One of the significant hurdles we faced was identifying participants who met the criteria for being D/hh. To address this, I designed and distributed flyers to local Head Start programs, encouraging parents and teachers to nominate qualifying children. Thanks to my SURF grant, we are now funded to pay for giftcards to encourage participants to sign up.

Dr. Bowers played an instrumental role throughout the semester, providing training on the PPVT and sharing key research articles to deepen my understanding of the topic. She also had many connections with local Head Start programs which allowed us to engage with preschool communities. Other faculty members and peers in my program also offered valuable feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

This semester, I had the privilege of visiting Head Start programs near campus, where I conducted language sampling. These visits were eye-opening as they allowed me to interact directly with the children and educators who stand to benefit from our research. It was so special to spend time with the children that our research would hopefully better them in the future.

In the next semester, I plan to continue gathering language samples and narrowing our participant pool to include more children who are D/hh. This ongoing work will further inform my honors thesis and contribute to the field of communication disorders. Beyond this project, I aspire to leverage my research experience as I prepare for a career in healthcare, where I can advocate for individuals with communication challenges. Ultimately, this semester’s work has reaffirmed my commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in every aspect of my professional journey.

Participating in this research project has been a transformative experience, both academically and personally. I had the opportunity to present my thesis at the national Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) conference in Seattle, Washington in December. It was amazing to interact with fellow professionals and learn from each other. The SURF grant provided me with the resources to explore a topic I am passionate about while developing skills that will serve me throughout my career. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship of Dr. Bowers, the support of my academic community, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of research to break barriers and create a more inclusive world.