His research, titled “The Gene VRK2 is Implicated in Genome-Wide Analyses of Stuttering, Language, and Rhythm Traits,” focused on findings from genetic analyses of stuttering involving the VRK2 gene. The project served as a continuation of previous research conducted by Dr. Pruett and his team, using earlier findings to investigate further how genetic variants may influence speech and language traits. 

“We conducted a large-scale genome-wide association study of stuttering, and one of the top genetic associations indicated a gene called VRK2,” said Dr. Pruett. “VRK2 was also a top association for independent genome-wide association studies of language and musical rhythm. We thought this was interesting because there are overlapping clinical associations between these traits. For example: both children and adults who stutter show greater variability on rhythm-based tasks and providing an external rhythm such as a metronome can temporarily increase speech fluency.” 

For Dr. Pruett, his research is more than an academic pursuit. As someone who stutters himself, he said his personal experiences have shaped his interest in understanding the condition and its underlying causes. 

“I stutter, and I’ve always had questions about stuttering, and that has motivated my research in the field,” said Pruett. “We’ve known that stuttering tends to run in families, and the heritability of the trait is fairly high, but we’ve had a difficult time understanding the exact genetic components that are responsible for that heritability.”  

Stuttering remains a relatively understudied area of research despite its impact on many individuals. “Stuttering is something that is a little bit of a niche area of research within genetics. It doesn’t get a whole lot of attentioncomparatively,” said Pruett. 

With the goal of further exploring the connection between speech, language and rhythm traits, the research primarily relied on data from genome-wide association studies. 

“Our main data sources were genome-wide association studies that were performed on stuttering, musical rhythm, resting state functional connectivity of classical language areas, and then Alzheimer’s related language decline. Then we did a variety of analyses to look and see how those genetic variants lined up for those traits,” said Pruett.  

This year marked his second time presenting at the conference, after previously attending in March 2022. As the only Florida State University (FSU) representative presenting this year, he said the experience highlighted the kind of research being conducted at the university. 

“I previously presented at this conference in March of 2022,” said Dr. Pruett. “It was good to represent Florida State and to show some of the work that we’re doing. And hopefully in the upcoming years, with the growth of FSU Health and the IPRD (Institute for Pediatric Rare Disease), this might be something that more FSU professors and students attend in the future.” 

As research surrounding the VRK2 gene continues to develop, Dr. Pruett believes the findings offer a promising step toward better understanding the sensory motor processes involved in speech, language, and rhythm. While the research is still in its early stages, the connections identified between these traits may help researchers further investigate the biological mechanisms behind stuttering and eventually contribute to future clinical interventions, though he emphasized that the findings are still far from being fully validated. 

“We are far away from validating those claims, but it opens doors for future novel interventions in that space,” said Dr. Pruett. “As FSU Health continues to grow, I feel like this is the space that I see myself in, providing a bridge between the basic science and the clinical world.” 

For Dr. Pruett, the pursuit of answers about stuttering is both professional and personal. As research into the VRK2 gene and related speech and language traits continues, he hopes to contribute to a deeper understanding of the condition while helping build connections between scientific discovery and clinical care. Through this work, he aims to advance knowledge in a field that has historically received limited attention and inspire future research that could benefit individuals who stutter. 

Morris joined the College of Communication and Information’s faculty in August of 1988 and spent his career in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, where he worked with students pursuing careers as speech-language pathologists and audiologists. His research focused on physiology, acoustics, and perception of speech and voice.

Throughout his career, Dr. Morris’ focus was simple: helping students become strong, confident clinicians.

“I am a person who came here to help students become the best SLP/AuD clinicians possible, to learn more about the physiology, acoustics, and perception of speech and voice, and to share what I learned,” Morris said. “In my mind, I have done this to the best of my ability. As I perceive it, I had and have no legacy.”

Despite his modest reflection on his impact, Morris highlights several accomplishments that he considers defining moments in his career. One was reimagining undergraduate education in Anatomy & Physiology and Acoustics of Speech and Hearing when he introduced weekly laboratory sessions. This allowed his students to engage more directly with the course material. Another accomplishment was expanding experiential learning in the graduate Voice Disorders course, where students not only practiced treatment techniques but also participated in laryngeal endoscopic observations of one another.

He also highlighted the creation of the Communication Science and Disorders summer session in London, which he developed alongside his wife, Jamie Morris. The international learning experience provided students with a chance to expand their knowledge of the communication science and disorders discipline while abroad. Alongside these accomplishments, Morris said some of his most meaningful growth came from the challenges he faced in the classroom.

“My biggest challenge was creating student interest in the undergraduate acoustics of speech and hearing course,” Morris said. “This course required that they developed their understanding of the physics of speech and do some relevant mathematical calculations.”

This challenge ultimately reshaped his approach to teaching. Morris incorporated more interactive methods across his courses, including essay-style exams which emphasized reasoning, and small group discussions so that all students had a voice in the learning process. From the beginning of his time at FSU, he encouraged students to attend office hours, often working individually with them until they could fully understand the course material.

Dr. Carla Wood, Director of the School of Communication Science and Disorders, reflected on his legacy and impact on students, sharing:

“I am deeply grateful for Richard’s mentorship and for the example he set as a colleague and leader. He generously gave support and encouragement to faculty and students alike. His sustained contributions have made a lasting difference in our program and to countless students.”

Beyond the classroom, Morris played a significant role in faculty development within the college. His work as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty Advancement in the Dean’s office focused on faculty advancement and recognition, including organizing yearly orientation sessions for new faculty, and meeting individually with senior faculty to help them pursue professional recognition in their fields. He also worked closely with Associate Dean Ulla Bunz to support academic program development across the college.

Looking back, Morris said he takes pride in the students and colleagues he worked alongside throughout his career. He co-authored numerous national presentations and journal publications with students, collaborated on research projects with colleagues, and supported generations of SCSD students as they developed into clinicians.

“I am proud to have worked with a series of outstanding students over the years with whom I had the opportunity to make national presentations and have published articles in professional journals,” he said. “Similarly, I am proud to have the opportunity to work with some of my outstanding colleagues on research projects and to help move the School of Communication Science and Disorders forward.”

As he retires, Morris leaves behind a legacy not defined by a single achievement but by incremental impact; through his coursework, clinical learning opportunities, and a dedication to student growth.

“During his time at SCSD, Dr. Morris has made a profound impact on countless students, faculty, and colleagues through his thoughtful teaching, mentorship, and commitment to student success,” said Michelle Kazmer, Dean of the College of Communication and Information. “I count myself fortunate to have been his faculty colleague and am especially grateful for his leadership as Associate Dean these last three years. Whether he was teaching students, mentoring faculty, or helping strengthen the College as a whole, his impact will continue to be felt long after his retirement.”

View pictures from Dr. Morris’ retirement celebration here: https://cci.fsu.edu/dr-richard-morris-retirement-celebration/

Among the recipients, the College of Communication and Information (CCI) was represented by Dr. Zhe He, who received an award for Graduate Faculty Mentor, and Sooyeon Park, who received an award for Outstanding Teaching Assistant.  

 “We’re a competitive university to get into. We have some very high-standing doctoral programs, so the people who are here are already a very select group”, said Stephen McDowell, Interim Dean of The Graduate School and Assistant Provost for International Initiatives. “Then for a graduate student to be selected from amongst that pool for this special recognition, it is a significant thing.” 

 Nominees dedicate significant time and effort to earning recognition, and the selection process becomes even more rigorous once they are nominated. Nominees must demonstrate why they deserve to receive their category’s award through resumes, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials. 

 McDowell said, “The nomination package includes several reference letters, a resume, and a statement of intention. It’s a lot of work for the nominators and the faculty who are being nominated.” 

 Apart from those organizing and presenting at the event, the recipients themselves are also acutely aware of just how competitive these nominations and awards are.  

 “I understand this is an extremely competitive process,” says Dr. He, “because every year only five to six faculty members will be chosen from all the colleges and all the departments across campus.” 

 To the students and faculty who are celebrated at the event, it is much more than an award. It is a symbol of their hard work and dedication to their research and students. 

The nomination itself serves as recognition of their impact, as recipients are nominated by the students and faculty who work most closely with them. 

 “It was absolutely very moving. I felt that my devotion to teaching had been seen and acknowledged. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my colleagues and professors who supported me and wrote recommendation letters,” said Sooyeon Park. “And obviously, I am most grateful for my students who have built this teaching experience with me, and made me learn how teaching is a very invaluable experience for the teacher as well.”  

 Receiving an award of this stature extends far beyond the individual recipient, showing the importance of research, mentorship, and teaching across the university.  

 “It highlights the importance of mentorship in academia, not only in producing research but also in developing the next generation of scholars and leaders in the field”, says Dr. He.  

Through these awards, recipients are inspired to continue striving for excellence while pursuing even greater goals and aspirations.  

“It affirms that I’m on the right path,” says Park. “And more than a credential, it’s also a sign that the investment I made in students, the preparation and relationship building is genuinely lending, and that kind of motivates me to keep going.” 

The Office of Faculty Development and Advancement provides faculty with a sabbatical, to support research recognition, professional advancement, and academic growth. Among faculty awarded one-semester sabbaticals was Dr. Sana Tibi, whose research specializes in Arabic literacy. Her sabbatical focused primarily on improving Arabic literacy research and understanding how reading comprehension is developed in Arabic-speaking populations. She spent her time in England, presenting research across different universities, helping to expand her scholarly network.  

“The advantages of a sabbatical in England were twofold”, said Dr. Tibi. “It provided opportunities to engage directly with leading scholars in the field of literacy. Second, it offered multiple venues to present my own research, creating meaningful opportunities for international dissemination.” 

Throughout her career, her research contributions and advancements have been extensive, supported by numerous grants and awards, and expanded through publications, projects, and collaborations. Her work has included developing more effective reading comprehension assessment tools for Arabic-speaking populations. She feels that Arabic research can be overlooked at times, despite being one of the most widely used languages in the world.  

Her sense of purpose has remained central throughout her career and continues to guide her work today. 

“My motivation is deeply intrinsic and layered. At its core is a strong desire to make a meaningful impact, both scholarly and human”, said Dr. Tibi. “I became acutely aware of how underrepresented Arabic literacy was in mainstream reading research, and I felt obligated to help build a rigorous research base.” 

During her time spent in England, she was invited by the Child Development and Learning Center in the College of Education at Oxford University to present a talk on Arabic literacy and orthography. This presentation ultimately led to her contribution of a chapter on Arabic orthography in an edited volume currently in progress. She was also able to present her work at Bangor University and work closely with professors at Lancaster University. These discussions and exchanges expanded her understanding of reading comprehension and sparked new possibilities for adapting an existing multilingual literacy assessment tool. 

“These exchanges were valuable in sharpening distinctions between universal components of reading comprehension and those that are language-specific”, said Dr. Tibi.  

Her research has positioned her at the forefront of advancements in Arabic literacy, as she shapes assessments and developments within the field. However, her objectives when starting her research have since shifted as she moves forward in her work. 

“Early in my career, my primary goal was to establish myself as a rigorous researcher and educator in language and literacy development,” said Dr. Tibi. “To me, the shift has been from establishing a presence in the field to helping advance the field itself through my research, collaborations, and mentorship.” 

The support Dr. Tibi received early in her education also played a formative role in her research and motivates her to continue this important and influential work. 

“During my early childhood, my teachers and parents consistently reinforced the value of education, curiosity, and perseverance. That early encouragement shaped both my confidence and my work ethic,” said Dr. Tibi.  

Dr. Sana Tibi’s sabbatical work has created large advancements in Arabic literacy, yet she is cognizant of the work that still needs to be done.  

“These experiences collectively reinforced that my position in the field was not accidental and that continuing this work mattered”, said Dr. Tibi. “What keeps me pushing forward is the knowledge that there is still much to be done.”

 

The Dean of the College, Michelle Kazmer, said, “The annual Honors and Awards Recognition Ceremony is a special occasion where we come together to celebrate the distinctions, leadership, and academic excellence of our amazing students and outstanding faculty.”    

Students and faculty from all three schools within the college — the School of Communication, the School of Communication Science and Disorders, and the School of Information — are honored through a variety of awards that recognize achievements in academics, research, teaching, mentorship, and community involvement. The ceremony highlights not only students’ academic excellence but also the faculty’s commitment to supporting them. 

“We have some of the finest students attending FSU, and we’re very proud to shine the spotlight on their outstanding achievements,” said Kelly Farquharson, Master of Ceremonies for the event and Professor in the School of Communication Science and Disorders. “Our faculty are truly outstanding, constantly inspiring and empowering students through their passion, expertise, and dedication to excellence.” 

The ceremony is a reflection of the college’s dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and student success across all its programs. 

 This year, more than 50 students and faculty members were recognized for their commitment to education, research, leadership, and innovation within their respective fields. Honorees represented a wide range of accomplishments. From academic excellence and impactful research to leadership within student organizations and mentorship in the classroom, each honoree contributed to the continued growth and success of the CCI community. 

“These events are always really exciting and really humbling because we hear about the amazing things that students and faculty accomplish,” said Kazmer.  

The annual ceremony not only celebrates individual achievement but also serves as a reminder of the collaborative and supportive environment cultivated within the CCI. As students and faculty continue to excel in their fields, the Honors and Awards Ceremony remains an opportunity to recognize the dedication and passion that define our community. 

“I am truly honored and excited to be part of this selective group,” he said. “It will be enriching, and rejuvenating,” Dr. Merle added.

This established leadership program is a weeklong immersive training with sessions devoted to creativity and innovation, as well as workshops designed to tackle current challenges and expectations presented to university leaders.

Merle explained how this opportunity will allow him to connect with peers and engage in conversations about timely topics.  

“We most likely will discuss AI, and how it impacts the curriculum and how we think through some curriculum issues important for student success.” 

Merle said he would seek to understand how to possibly implement some ideas at the School of Communication.

“It will depend on the conversations and the topics, but I’m sure I will come back refreshed with a lot of thoughts on how we can improve our curriculum and create new initiatives,” he said. “It will allow me to reflect on some things we have done, some things we have not done yet, and those will have to be student-centered and faculty-focused.” 

As he looks ahead to bringing new ideas back to the School of Communication, Dr. Merle also shares guidance for the next generation of media leaders. In a moment of reflection about students aspiring to take leadership roles in media and communications, he advises, “Always volunteer to say ‘yes’ rather than ‘no’. That would be my main advice: to not shy away from opportunity but to engage with them, seek them out yourself, and see how it goes.” 

His journey serves as a reminder that leadership begins by saying “yes” to opportunity– an approach that continues to shape both his career and the future of the School of Communication.

“Exceptional teaching is at the heart of everything we do,” said Michelle Kazmer, dean of the College of Communication & Information. “These awards reflect our faculty’s deep commitment to student-centered learning, innovation inside and outside the classroom, and mentorship that extends well beyond graduation. We are incredibly proud of this year’s honorees and the lasting difference they make in our students’ lives and in the world.”

This year’s awards recognize faculty from across CCI’s schools and programs.

Among this year’s honorees, April Powell earned the University Teaching Award for Excellence in Online Teaching. A teaching faculty member in the School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD), Powell taught an online course, Anatomy and Physiology: Speech, Language, and Hearing. The class was recently certified as high-quality through FSU’s Online Quality Initiative.

Drs. Elizabeth B. Madden and Mia Lustria were both recognized with the University Teaching Award for Student-Centered Teaching and Mentoring. Madden, an assistant professor in SCSD, focuses on aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders, having previously received both university-level and departmental teaching awards. Lustria, part of the School of Information (iSchool), specializes in health informatics and health communication while also holding a leadership role in the Ph.D. in Information program.

CCI Associate Dean of Finance and Administration Ebrahim Randeree, who teaches in the iSchool, received the University Teaching Award for Outstanding Teaching in the Major. Randeree’s teaching interests include emerging technology and social media, strategic management and leadership, and health informatics.

Dr. Sana Tibi was honored with the University Teaching Award for Outstanding Teaching in the Major. Since joining SCSD in 2016, her teaching interests have centered around literacy development and disorders, dyslexia, reading assessment, language development, and introduction to communication disorders.

Two faculty members received the University Teaching Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching: Drs. Elizabeth Ray and Jaejin Lee. Ray is an assistant professor with a background in integrated marketing communication. She brings industry experience as a former television news reporter and communications director. Lee, who joined FSU as a faculty member in 2012 and became a full professor in 2025, teaches courses focused on media consumer behavior, creative strategy, and the foundation of integrated marketing communication.

Additionally, Dr. Zhe He received the Graduate Faculty Mentor Award from the iSchool. A professor and director of the Institute for Successful Longevity, He’s teaching and research focus includes health informatics, data mining, machine learning, and database management systems.

College of Communication & Information Dean Michelle Kazmer shared her pride in the college’s nominees and winners.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and faculty for the leadership they’ve demonstrated across our university,” Kazmer said. “These award winners highlight the excellence of the College of Communication & Information and I’m extremely excited to see what they do next.”

Award winners included the following:

• Akansha Kharkwal – Dean of Students Award: The Dean’s Cup
• Alyson Mizanin – Outstanding Leadership and Service Award
• Mylah Tate – Sean A. Pittman Award
• Snailey Dol – Bob E. Leach Award
• Yasamin Khosh – Outstanding Leadership and Service Award
• Ebrahim Randaree – The Spotlight Award: Advisor of the Year
• STARS Alliance at FSU – Mary B. Coburn Organization of the Year

Kharkwal, a doctoral candidate in Health and Environment Communication, took home the Dean of Students: The Dean’s Cup award, which is awarded to up to three students who displayed commitment to the FSU community, strength of character, and alignment with the University’s mission. Her work focuses on health informatics, artificial intelligence, social media, digital health intervention design, media effects, strategic communication, and persuasion and behavior.

Two CCI students, Alyson Mizanin and Yasamin Khosh, were awarded the Outstanding Leadership and Service Award. Mizanin, a third-year Presidential Scholar, is currently the director of social media for the Florida State University Government Association, co-founder and editor-in-chief of PULSE at FSU, and the historian and social media manager for Presidential Scholars at FSU.

Khosh is a senior pursuing a dual degree in political science and media/communication studies. Her experience spans across strategic communications, spanning agency, fintech, and government environments.

Political science and media/communication studies double major Mylah Tate was awarded the Sean A. Pittman Award,which is given to a student for outstanding leadership to the FSU and Tallahassee communities, having significantly supported African American students. Tate is the Political Education Coordinator with the Black Student Union at FSU.

Snailey Dol, an undergraduate student pursuing a Science in Information Technology degree, won the Bob E. Leach Award, which is presented to a student for service-oriented leadership with a commitment to benefiting the lives of others. Dol has earned recognition on the Dean’s List and been awarded the CARE Student of Excellence Award in the past.

Among FSU faculty, CCI Associate Dean of Finance and Administration Ebrahim Randeree was awarded The Spotlight Award: Advisor of the Year. The honor is given to a volunteer employee advisor to recognize their dedication, mentorship, and guidance to a student organization. Randeree is the advisor to 12 student organizations within the College.

“Student success is a core goal of the university and the college and that starts with engagement on campus,” Randeree said. “Getting involved beyond the classroom and in the community is what makes FSU successful.”

The STARS Alliance at FSU was awarded the Mary B. Coburn Organization of the Year honor, which recognizes a registered student organization that significantly impacted the University through leadership, innovation, and service. The mission of STARS is to increase participation in information technology (IT) and computing. Their work focuses on projects and programs that start at the elementary level and progress through graduate school and into IT/computing careers. This year they completed over 175 events reaching 9,000 students on campus and in K-12.

The goal of the event is to foster dialogue; the mini-conference served as a platform for sharing ideas and strengthening connections across all levels of the program. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with a wide range of research while building relationships with peers in their field.

Among the attendees was SCSD undergraduate program coordinator and NSSLHA faculty advisor Dr. Kimberlee Crass, who emphasized the impact of the event.

“What stood out most was the strong sense of collaboration, not only between faculty and students, but also across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels,” Dr. Crass said. “It was exciting to see students at different stages of their academic journeys working together, supporting one another, and contributing meaningfully to shared research efforts.”

She also explained how the event aligned with NSSLHA’s mission of promoting student engagement and professional development, noting that the environment encouraged mentorship and shared learning experiences.

“The event really embodied the mission of the NSSLHA by creating a space where students could actively engage in scholarly work and professional dialogue,” Dr. Crass said. “Students were not only presenting their research, but also developing skills in communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.”

She noted that the overall quality and professionalism of the projects were particularly impressive. She believes that each presentation reflected a strong commitment to research and demonstrated the effort put forth by participants across the board. Looking ahead, Dr. Crass believes the mini-conference will continue to influence the SCSD community by encouraging future collaboration.

“By bringing students and faculty from different levels, it encourages ongoing mentorship and opens the door for new research partnerships,” Dr. Crass said. “Events like this help build connections early on, which can lead to more interdisciplinary and collaborative projects in the future.”

When evaluating the overall value of the conference, she believes that it’s key to building a sense of community within the program.

“Events like the Research Rounds Mini-Conference highlight not only the academic strengths of our students and faculty, but also the collaborative spirit that makes our program so special,” Dr. Crass said. “It’s inspiring to see everyone come together to share ideas, support one another, and celebrate the work being done across all levels.”

Pang said, “The experience was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to share our work, receive valuable feedback, and connect with others who are passionate about advancing equitable and trustworthy health technologies.”

KCHC, hosted by the University of Kentucky Department of Communication, has hosted health communication researchers, practitioners, and students for over 30 years, inviting them to share research and disseminate knowledge on a variety of health-related topics, including distinct health communication research agendas, individual health behavior risk reduction, interactive health communication and informatics, and public and private media advocacy.

Through this year’s theme, “Health as a Human Right: The Role of Health Communication,” KCHC acted as a significant venue for practitioners and researchers alike to host paper, poster, panel, and workshop sessions with subjects from equitable and dignified access to basic healthcare, to providing ample health communication education and employment opportunities, as well as promoting the value of science in advancing disease treatment and prevention.

“This theme highlighted that it is not enough to simply develop advanced technologies — we also need to ensure that people can trust, understand, and effectively use them. I realized that health communication plays a key role in bridging the gap between technological innovation and real-world impact,” said Pang.

Pang’s perspective largely centered on the intersection of health as a human right and her own research, highlighting her eagerness to expand the critical role of health communication technologies and how diverse users interact with them in her future projects. Since her past research focuses on health informatics, AI-driven tool development, and personalized health intervention support, Pang shared fresh insights on accessibility, comprehension, and equity in AI use and health communication. Specifically, she emphasized how integrating health communication findings into health informatics can contribute to technologies that are more user-centered, inclusive, and ethically grounded, supporting vulnerable populations with complex health needs.

“Attending KCHC reinforced the idea that developing effective health technologies is not only a technical challenge but also a communication challenge. As a researcher in health informatics, I aim to integrate communication principles into the design and evaluation of generative AI–based health tools, particularly for older adults with multiple chronic conditions,” Pang said.

Looking at Pang’s research, she and her team collected large-scale Reddit data to analyze user experiences, perceptions, and concerns when using AI to seek health information to investigate individual AI engagement testimonies. Their discoveries highlight a variety of factors to consider, from benefits such as increased accessibility and personalized support to risks including potential misinformation and tentative trustworthiness.

“KCHC strengthened my commitment to interdisciplinary research and encouraged me to actively seek collaborations with scholars in health communication as I continue to develop my research program,” Pang said.

Pang’s presentation drew extensive attention at the conference, inviting scholars across the nation to engage with and discuss AI-driven health communication and its impact on patient health. She stressed how audience engagement and scholastic discussion generated invaluable feedback to further refine their research and sharpen its impact in health communication. Specifically, she shared how KCHC facilitated an incredibly vibrant community of researchers, and it was through her interactions with them that she broadened her understanding of current health communication trends and challenges, inspiring her to continue pursuing research in this field.