You were hand-selected by Dean Watts as one of Harris College’s future leaders to be highlighted in TCU’s 150th celebration immersion experience. How do you feel?
It is a true honor that Dean Watts would select me out of so many qualified candidates. I am extremely thankful to each professor and faculty member who has shaped me into the professional and student that I am today.
Can you tell us about your reasons behind the specialty of communication sciences and disorders?
TCU helped me discover this interest and choose this major about 11 years ago. As a first-year student at TCU, I knew that I was interested in working with children with disabilities, but I was unaware of careers that would provide me with that opportunity. The career center at TCU helped me isolate specific interests of mine and recommended speech-language pathology. After taking some courses, I was hooked! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Child Development, and I earned my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from TCU. I am now back at TCU to earn a Ph.D. in Health Sciences with an emphasis on speech-language pathology.
What motivates you?
The opportunity to create change and better outcomes for the children whom I work with motivates me. Additionally, the opportunity to learn and grow as a person and professional is extremely motivating for me.
What can you tell us about your involvement with the CHLLD lab?
I worked under Dr. Emily Lund in the CHLLD lab as a master’s student in TCU’s speech-language pathology program. After graduation, I worked in this lab as an evaluator for a specific research study. Upon my return to TCU as a Ph.D. student, I continued to work in this lab, conducting my own research and supporting the completion of other studies, including Dr. Lund’s major study: ELLA. It has been an honor and privilege to work under Dr. Emily Lund in the CHLLD Lab throughout my TCU career. Her research projects, publications and work ethic are outstanding, and the opportunity to learn from her for years is invaluable. Her mentorship, guidance, and support have changed the trajectory of my career.
What can you tell us about your involvement with NSSLHA Chance to Dance?
As an undergraduate student, I learned about proms and dances for people with disabilities across the country. I was immediately inspired to host a similar event at TCU and connect the TCU community and adults with disabilities. I researched how other organizations planned and held these dances and I collaborated with TCU, my friends, and other companies and organizations to host TCU’s first prom for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the BLUU. With a desire for the prom, called Chance to Dance, to continue after I graduated, I connected with TCU’s NSSLHA chapter, who immediately agreed to plan and host the prom annually. NSSLHA and I worked closely together to host this event the following year. It is an honor that NSSHLA has continued this tradition ever since.
What are your hopes for the future of TCU COSD?
I hope that TCU will continue to develop well-educated, well-rounded speech-language pathologists who know how to think critically to make decisions. Every day in this career is unique; no two children whom we treat are the same. It is vital that clinicians can think critically to make the best decisions for each child whom they treat, ultimately bettering their ability to communicate.
How do you wish to make an impact for the greater good?
Firstly, my area of study primarily focuses on children who do not speak with their mouths. Children can use technology, such as an iPad with an app, to speak aloud for them. I hope to make a significant contribution to the body of research for this population, ultimately bettering outcomes for children who speak using technology. Secondly, I hope to have a significant impact on translating research to practicing speech-language pathologists. I’d like to develop a solution that allows practicing professionals to obtain useful, research-based information in an easy-to-comprehend format that can shape their practices and, ultimately, better outcomes for the clients whom they treat.
#Facts
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Major: Undergrad: Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Child Development, master’s: Speech-Language Pathology and Ph.D.: Health Sciences with an Emphasis on Speech-Language Pathology
Graduation date: May 2024
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to pursue a career in academia or as a research scientist, conducting research within my area of study. I plan to influence the next generation of speech-language pathologists and support practicing professionals.
Favorite TCU memory: I have such fond memories of planning and hosting the Chance to Dance, especially the first event. Additionally, I am obsessed with TCU football. I’ll always remember the Peach Bowl in 2014 and this past 2022 season. I will never forget this year’s wild win against Baylor and, of course, the playoffs. Go Frogs!
Why did you choose TCU? I wanted something unique and different. I wanted to explore a different area of the country and experience a different culture. TCU was a perfect fit. The school spirit was contagious, and when I came to visit, everyone that I met loved the university. My sister had gone to TCU, so I felt comfortable knowing that I had some family nearby. Coming to TCU is one of the best choices that I have ever made.
“Courtney is a rare triple Frog – she was in my classes as an undergraduate student, has worked in my lab since she was a master’s student, and now as a Ph.D. student. I can say with confidence that she will be a successful researcher. Her writing skills are outstanding, and she has been integral to the completion of projects we work on to help young children develop language skills.” – Emily Lund, Associate Dean for Research at Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences.