Caroline Stewart at the ASHA conference, 2024
Author: Caroline Stewart | Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders | Semester: Fall 2024
My name is Caroline Stewart, and I am a senior majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Biology. This November, I had the privilege of presenting my honors college research thesis at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) national annual meeting in Seattle, Washington. My research explores how language samples—real-world examples of how children use language in conversation—can better measure communication abilities in children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH). This work has the potential to improve how speech-language pathologists assess and support language development in this population, ensuring they receive effective treatment.
My trip to Seattle was a significant milestone in my academic journey. Traveling from Fayetteville to Seattle, I was eager to share my findings with experts in the field and connect with others. This was my first national conference presentation and I was nervous and excited to enter such a prestigious environment.
The ASHA conference itself was a whirlwind of activity. The convention center was packed with professionals, researchers, and students discussing work in speech, language, and hearing sciences. My presentation took place during a poster session, where I stood beside my research poster and explained my findings to attendees. It was incredibly rewarding to see professionals engage with my work, asking thoughtful questions and sharing insights. Their feedback helped me refine my understanding of my research’s broader implications and consider new angles for analysis that I hadn’t initially explored.
One amazing part of my trip was the opportunity to network with peers and experts in the field. I met other students conducting fascinating research, including some who were also studying language development in children with hearing loss. Additionally, I connected with several professionals who provided valuable advice about conducting future research.
Beyond the academic benefits, presenting at ASHA boosted my confidence and honed my communication skills. Explaining complex research in an accessible way to a diverse audience—from clinicians to fellow students—was an invaluable experience. I learned how to adapt my presentation style based on the listener’s background and interests. I am so thankful I had this opportunity to grow such a unique skill that I will carry with me into graduate school.
Seattle is a beautiful city with a vibrant culture, and I made sure to explore during my downtime. My mom and I visited iconic landmarks like the the Starbucks Reserve and the Pike Place Market. It was such a fun trip to take with my mom, and I know we will both remember it forever.
For students considering attending or presenting at a national conference like ASHA, my advice is simple: go for it! The experience is incredibly rewarding, both academically and professionally. Prepare thoroughly by practicing your presentation and anticipating potential questions, but also be open to learning from others and embracing the unexpected. Conferences are a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in your field, gain fresh perspectives, and build lasting connections.
Looking ahead, this experience has grown my passion for research and working with children who are D/HH. While I no longer want to pursue speech pathology, this conference was such a neat opportunity to learn about the interdisciplinary relationships between providers and therapists. As I transition into my gap year and apply for physician assistant programs, I’ll carry the lessons I learned in Seattle with me, confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare field.