Northeastern University Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Spring 2010 Newsletter!

2010-04-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

The new Speech-language Pathology and Audiology's newsletter is now available. The content includes department updates about faculty and student groups, upcoming events, alumni news, and much more.

http://www.slpa.neu.edu/newsletter/Connections%20Dept%20Newsletter%20Spring%202010.pdf

Dr. Rupal Patel's "Inspiring the Next Generation of Teacher-Scholars" in the ASHA Leader

2010-04-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

Patel, R. (2010, April 06). Inspiring the Next Generation of Teacher-Scholars : Perspective. The ASHA Leader.

ASHA introduced the Students Preparing for Academic and Research Careers (SPARC) in 2004, a mentoring program named for the spark of inspiration it was designed to provide for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing research-oriented careers. The program was one of several responses to the shortage of PhD-level scholars in communication sciences and disorders.

As a faculty member at Northeastern University in Boston, I first learned of this program in 2005 and encouraged Pamela Campellone, then a graduate student, to apply. Campellone used the SPARC award to defray participant honorarium costs associated with her thesis and to fund her travel to present at the ASHA Convention.
(READ THE FULL ARTICLE...)

Connections: the Newsletter of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Fall 2009 Issue

2009-12-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Read Connections: the Newsletter of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Fall 2009

Back Issues
Fall 2008

Upcoming Department Tours

2009-12-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

Tours of our campus and of the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program will be held on Tuesday, January 12 and Thursday, March 11, 2010, both at 6:00 PM, and on Friday, January 22, 2010 and Friday, February 5, 2010 both at 2:00 PM. Please go to the following website for more information:
http://www.northeastern.edu/bouve/gradstudent/openhouse.html

Northeastern alumnus Kelly Breen recalls meeting Ted Kennedy in the ASHA Leader

2009-10-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

October 13, 2009

Life Lessons: Remembering Ted Kennedy

by Kelly Breen

He was a prominent senator from Massachusetts and I was a junior in college, interning in ASHA's government relations and public policy office in Washington, D.C. Initially, I didn't expect to have much in common with Sen. Ted Kennedy, but over a simple breakfast meeting in our nation's capital, I saw how similar our careers in public service were and how much I could learn from this powerful man....

Read the whole story at: http://www.asha.org/publications/leader/archives/2009/091013/fp091013.htm

Assistant Professor Michael Epstein Publishes Article in JASA: "Analysis of parameters for the estimation of loudness from tone-burst OAEs"

2009-06-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

"Analysis of parameters for the estimation of loudness from tone-burst otoacoustic emissions" by Audiology Assistant Professor Michael Epstein and Ph.D. Candidate Ikaro Silva was published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.

J. Acoust. Soc. Am. Volume 125, Issue 6, pp. 3855-3864 (June 2009)

http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=JASMAN000125000006003855000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=Yes&type=ALERT

Abstract:
There is evidence that tone-burst otoacoustic emissions (TBOAEs) might be useful for estimating loudness. However, within-listener comparisons between loudness and TBOAE measurements are an essential prerequisite to determine appropriate analysis parameters for loudness estimation from TBOAE measurements. The purpose of the present work was to collect TBOAE measurements and loudness estimates across a wide range of levels in the same listeners. Therefore, TBOAEs were recorded for 1- and 4-kHz stimuli and then analyzed using a wide range of parameters to determine which parameter set yielded the lowest mean-square-error estimation of loudness with respect to a psychoacoustical, cross-modality-matching procedure and the inflected exponential (INEX) loudness model. The present results show strong agreement between 1-kHz loudness estimates derived from TBOAEs and loudness estimated using cross-modality matching (CMM), with TBOAE estimation accounting for almost 90% of the CMM variance. Additionally, the results indicate that analysis parameters may vary within a reasonable range without compromising the results (i.e., the estimates exhibit some parametric robustness). The lack of adequate parametric optimization for TBOAEs at 4 kHz suggests that measurements at this frequency are strongly contaminated by ear-canal resonances, meaning that deriving loudness estimates from TBOAEs at this frequency is significantly more challenging than at 1 kHz.

Article In ADVANCE May 4: Innovative Recruitment Program

2009-06-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

In the May 4th issue of ADVANCE, a recruitment program in which our department partnered with Health Careers Academy (a charter Boston Publilc High School) is featured. The program, run by SLPA graduate students, is designed to recruit students from diverse populations to the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology.

http://speech-language-pathology-audiology.advanceweb.com/Article/Recruitment-Program.aspx

2009-05-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ralf Schlosser presented an invited workshop on "Making Clinical Decisions: Evidence-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology" at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center on March 6, 2009. The workshop was sponsored by the NSSLHA chapter of Texas Tech and was attended by more than 100 practitioners and students.

NU SLPA on Facebook

2009-04-04T14:44:00.001-07:00

Come join us at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boston/Northeastern-University-Department-of-Speech-Language-Pathology-Audiology/80891739545?ref=mf

Assistant Professor Ying-Yee Kong publishes "Cochlear Implant Melody Recognition as a Function of Melody Frequency Range, Harmonicity, and Number..."

2009-04-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

"Cochlear Implant Melody Recognition as a Function of Melody Frequency Range, Harmonicity, and Number of Electrodes." by Sonya Singh, Ying-Yee Kong, and Fan-Gang Zeng has been published in the April 2009 issue of Ear and Hearing.

http://www.ear-hearing.com/pt/re/earhearing/abstract.00003446-200904000-00002.htm;jsessionid=JX2MQZh9g1LtgJGl1xG3Ly7s6VSnDbjyJXM6P6S1hyfyhTkxF5l7!285259918!181195628!8091!-1

Cochlear implant melody recognition is best when listening to high-frequency melodies (414-1046 Hz) as opposed to low- or middle- frequency melodies (104-262 and 207-523 Hz) and when listening to pure tones instead of complex harmonic tones. The number of electrodes had no effect on low- and middle-frequency melody recognition, but affected high-frequency melody recognition in a way similar to phoneme recognition. Similar to speech recognition, cochlear implant melody recognition exhibited large individual variability. The source of the large variability in melody recognition seems to be different from the source of the variability in speech recognition.

Profs. Michael Epstein and Mary Florentine publish "Binaural Loudness Summation for Speech and Tones Presented via Earphones and Loudspeakers"

2009-04-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

"Binaural Loudness Summation for Speech and Tones Presented via Earphones and Loudspeakers" by Michael Epstein and Mary Florentine has been published in the April 2009 issue of Ear and Hearing.

http://www.ear-hearing.com/pt/re/earhearing/abstract.00003446-200904000-00008.htm;jsessionid=JX2MQZh9g1LtgJGl1xG3Ly7s6VSnDbjyJXM6P6S1hyfyhTkxF5l7!285259918!181195628!8091!-1

Two hypotheses were tested: Binaural loudness summation is less for (1) speech from a visually present talker than for recorded speech or tones and (2) sounds presented via loudspeakers than for sounds presented via earphones. Monitored live voice spondees, recorded spondees, and tones were presented monaurally and binaurally to eight listeners via earphones and loudspeakers. Results support both hypotheses. Binaural loudness summation was significantly less for: Monitored live voice spondees than for recorded spondees or tones, and less for loudspeaker presentation than for earphone presentation. Conclusions support loudness assessment for hearing-aid fittings. A subjective effect may result from expectations about loudness, termed Binaural Loudness Constancy.

Assistant Professor Michael Epstein Featured in the NU Voice and the NU Impact

2009-04-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Faculty Member Dr. O’Neil-Pirozzi and SLP Students Julie Feeley and Laura Olsen Present at ASHA

2009-01-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

In November, Dr. Therese O’Neil-Pirozzi, Julie Feeley, and Laura Olsen made a 60-minute oral presentation in Chicago at the 2008 ASHA Annual Convention entitled “Racial and Ethnic Influences on Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury.” During this presentation, because influences of race and ethnicity on outcomes following traumatic brain injury are not well known, definitions of “race” and “ethnicity” were discussed. Racial and ethnic influences on views of disability, caregiver patterns, and employment were reviewed. Research on racial and ethnic influences on outcomes in these areas following traumatic brain injury was explored. And, finally, implications of the available evidence regarding these racial and ethnic influences on service delivery to persons with traumatic brain injury and their families were discussed.

Professor Susan Fine, Dr. O’Neil-Pirozzi, and Boston Renaissance Charter School Principal Amy Carignan Present at ASHA

2009-01-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

In November, Professor Susan Fine, Dr. Therese O’Neil-Pirozzi, and Boston Renaissance Charter School (BRCS) Principal Amy Carignan made a 60-minute oral presentation in Chicago at the 2008 ASHA Annual Convention entitled “A Collaborative Language Literacy Program for Pre-Kindergarten Children.” During this presentation, the language literacy program (LLP) that our SLP graduate students implement with pre-kindergarten-aged students at BRCS was described. In addition, the philosophy of charter schools and the evolution of the Northeastern University-BRCS collaboration were discussed. Outcome data demonstrating the value of the program from pre-KG student and the graduate clinician perspectives were presented. SLP student Cindy Lau was recognized for her assistance with data compilation for this presentation.

Faculty Member Dr. Patel and SLP Student Catherine Mcnab Present at ASHA

2008-12-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

In November, Dr. Rupal Patel and Catherine Mcnab presented a 15 minute technical presentation in Chicago at the 2008 ASHA presentation on research conducted in the Northeastern University CADLab (Communication Analysis and Design Laboratory).

This study examined the effect of contrastive stress drills on vowel formants in speakers with dysarthria due to cerebral palsy. Data from a previous study which examined the abilities of twelve speakers with dysarthria and twelve healthy controls to mark contrastive stress within phrases were acoustically analyzed to examine changes in vowel formants in stressed and unstressed words. Results indicated that, across all vowels, first formant (F1) values increased for speakers with dysarthria to a greater extent than for healthy controls. Implications for intervention are discussed.

Clinical Teaching Faculty Memeber Ruth MarguIies-Hochman Conducts an EI Workshop for Local Professionals

2008-12-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

On December 18^th 2008, Ruth MarguIies-Hochman conducted an in-service training/workshop for Early Interventionists from a variety of disciplines as part of the Continuing Education and Professional Development program at Thom Child and Family Services Program in Natick. Approximately 30 to 40 clinicians were in attendance at the program which reviewed communication acquisition milestones, 'red flags' and markers for delay/disorder. The in-service training also covered evidence-based intervention methodologies for the 0 to 3 population.

Stay Connected - Fall 2008 Newsletter

2008-11-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

The November 2008 edition of the Speechl-language Pathology and Audiology's newsletter is now available. The content includes department updates about faculty and student groups, upcoming events, alumni news, and much more.

NU SLPA Student Groups Donate $2000 and Volunteer for Autism Walk

2008-11-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

The Greater Boston Walk for Austism - Suffolk Downs, East Boston, MA

During the month of October the Northeastern University Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NUSSLHA) and the Undergraduate Speech-Language and Hearing Club (NUSLHC) spread awareness about Autism while raising over $2000 in donations from faculty, staff, students, and the local community. Three awareness events were held on campus during which information was distributed and students were on hand to answer questions.

On the day of the walk, over 30 graduate and undergraduate SLPA students volunteered thier time painting faces, running children's crafts, cheering on walkers, and working food/water tables.

SLP Student Dori Herskovitz receives NSSLHA Member Honors

2008-11-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

Member Honors

NSSLHA Member Honors are awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement, service to the academic unit, professional conduct, and service to NSSLHA. The recipient of the Member Honors award receives a certificate from the National Office and a NSSLHA Honor Cord to wear during graduation ceremonies.

2008 Honors Recipients

Please join the NSSLHA Executive Council in acknowledging the individuals and chapters for their outstanding achievements in 2008 at the NSSLHA Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, Friday, November 21, 12:00 noon to 1:15 p.m., Hyatt McCormick, Chicago, Illinois.

SLP Student Catherine Mcnab Receives SPARC Award

2008-11-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

SPARC Award

The SPARC award is designed as a strategy to promote PhD career development for communication sciences and disorders undergraduate and graduate students. Recipients will use the award monies to provide opportunities such as enhanced educational mentorship experiences that prepare students for successful PhD education and academic careers, travel to enhance research exposure, and research training under a mentor.

2008 SPARC Award Recipient

Catherine McNab, Northeastern University

Primary Mentor — Rupal Patel, Northeastern University

SLP Student Caryn Graboski Receives the Kenerson Scholarship

2008-10-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Kenerson Scholarship Program

The Kenerson Scholarship Award program was established to recognize students and faculty who have shown strong commitment to working as an interdisciplinary team member in serving our urban neighbors through clinical internships, cooperative education, service activities or special projects. The Interdisciplinary Committee is pleased to announce this years' awardees:

Undergraduate Student Award
Steven Bird, Pharmacy

Graduate Student Award
Caryn Graboski, Speech Language Pathology & Audiology

Faculty Award
Susan Hallenborg Ventura, Physical Therapy Department

Northeastern SLP Program Graudate Emily Emanuel writes in the ASHA Leader on Loan Forgiveness: An Incentive for Serving in High-Need Schools

2008-10-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Emanuel, E. (2008, May 27). Loan forgiveness: An incentive for serving in high-need schools. The ASHA Leader, 13(7), 20-21, 25.

http://www.asha.org/about/publications/leader-online/archives/2008/080527/080527c.htm

Nine-year-old Aaron faces some daunting challenges on his road to a good education. He comes from a low-income neighborhood in the heart of Baltimore, where he attends a school with such low performance that it is under a state consent decree, a mechanism for mandating school-wide improvement.

In the face of these environmental challenges, Aaron's speech-language difficulties might seem less important. But Aaron is lucky to attend a school that provides adequate speech-language services, unlike most high-need schools—those with a large percentage of students from low-income families or located in certain rural areas—that have difficulty attracting and retaining qualified speech-language pathologists.

Read the rest at: http://www.asha.org/about/publications/leader-online/archives/2008/080527/080527c.htm

Ralf W. Schlosser to Present as part of a half-day workshop sponsored by the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR)

2008-10-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

NIDRR-funded grantees and staff are invited to participate in a half-day workshop sponsored by the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) on "Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Single-subject Experimental Designs (SSEDs)."

WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 2008 (7:30 AM breakfast; 8:00 AM-12:00 PM)

WHERE: Holiday Inn - National Airport, 2650 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202. Phone: (703) 684-7200. Please call the Holiday Inn directly to reserve a sleeping room @ $209/night (request government rate).

WHAT: This workshop for NIDRR-funded grantees and staff will highlight the rationale for and potential contributions of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of SSEDs, and discuss issues related to how syntheses of SSEDs differ from traditional systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The workshop will be at an introductory level for current researchers, although our presenters will respond to questions from participants at any level.

PRESENTERS: Ralf W. Schlosser, PhD (Northeastern University); Oliver Wendt, PhD (Purdue University)

HOW MUCH? There is no charge for registration; however, participants are responsible for their own travel/lodging arrangements and costs. A continental breakfast and refreshments will be provided.

Register here: http://survey.sedl.org/efm/wsb.dll/s/1g3b

NOTE: Within one business day, the NCDDR will confirm grantees' registration or offer a spot on a waiting list.

QUESTIONS? To request a copy of the workshop abstract and objectives, or for questions about the content of the workshop, please contact Joann Starks.

For questions about the hotel/logistics/accessibility needs, please contact Lin Harris at the NCDDR: 800-266-1832.

Welcome to the Northeastern University Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology News Feed

2008-09-30T13:09:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Northeastern University Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology News Feed

Events

2006-01-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

Events will be posted on this page. Check back soon.