ASHA Convention 2021
Author: Sutton Bauman | Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders | Semester: Fall 2021
My name is Sutton Bauman, and my major is Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. I recently received the Honors Travel Grant in order to attend the 2021 ASHA Convention in Washington, DC to present my research titled, Fathers, Mothers, and Technology: 21st Century Parenting of Infants Exposed to Artificial Intelligence from Birth.
The purpose of my research was to determine if and how infant care from basic necessities to social-emotional engagement may change when technology becomes part of the parenting routine in infants up to six months of age.
My research used the Snoo Bassinet that connected to a smart device. The baby would be placed in the Snoo sack which then attached to either side. When the baby awoke and was unsettled, the Snoo would move mimicking the mother’s womb movement and play a sound also similar to those in the womb. We used this artificial intelligence to make connection and find differences between fathers and mother and their parenting while using the Snoo bassinet.
I applied to this event along with many other students within my major. Fortunately, I was selected to be one of the poster presenters. Before the convention, I created a poster and recorded a voice over that people had access to in the virtual library for ASHA. I was then given a date and time in which I would have my LIVE question session. During this time, researchers, professors, SLP’s, and audiologist can elect to attend your LIVE chat. I was so happy to have so many people that willingly came to hear me discuss my research and ask me questions. This experience allowed me to express my knowledge that I have learned about my research topic over the past two years and was so rewarding. While at the convention, I was also able to learn new information about the field of Speech-Language Pathology and be surrounded by those already in the field. I was able to go to booths of my interest in which I learned of developing toys, materials, and information that Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist are now using in their career.
Not only was this experience fun in the aspect of my presenting my research, answering questions, and attending the convention but it was so much more. I was able to go to various tourist attraction such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, various museums, and other entertainments to enhance my education in other areas as well.
This experience also allowed me to meet new people. I attended this event with a girl who was also in my major from the University of Arkansas but was one who I had not had much interaction with. This experience lead us to be the best of friends and to even consider applying to graduate school in Washington, DC together.
This trip was not only a huge experience for my academic career, but lead me to submerse myself in another city, learn more about the United States, and to make new friends. This experience was one that I will remember forever and will be able to apply to my future career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. I am very thankful that this was made possible by the Honors College Travel Grant.