Why FSU?

The fellowship I received through the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) has allowed me to pursue a PhD in Communication Science and Disorders with a focus on struggling readers and quality reading instruction through the lens of speech-language pathology. The Florida Interdisciplinary Research Fellows in Education Sciences (FIREFLIES) Program has provided me the opportunity to work with faculty across several disciplines.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

After many years as a school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP) and reading tutor, I had more questions than answers regarding the students I worked with and the system within which we had to exist. I am committed to identifying better methods of reading instruction and systems for identifying those with reading needs.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

The ability to read opens doors to opportunities in all areas of life. Not all children learn to read using the same method. Teachers and school-based SLPs should have multiple strategies at their disposal to help the students with whom they work.

Career aspirations

I hope to further identify through research ways to help struggling readers and empower SLPs to play an active role in reading at their local school. I also see myself teaching pre-service SLPs and teachers to be confident in their knowledge of how reading develops and what they can do to positively impact struggling readers.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Go for it! You have something unique to contribute to your field!