Events

NSSLHA Hygiene Drive at SLHS

Brenda Baker — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:00:53 +0000

NSSLHA Hygiene Drive at SLHS Brenda Baker Wed, 02/04/2026 - 14:00

NSSLHA Hygiene Drive

Join the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association in supporting A Precious Child, a local nonprofit organization providing children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential.

January 23rd — February 13th
Please bring new: deodorant, dental products, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, soap, combs/brushes, feminine hygiene products and laundry detergent.
Drop off donations in the SLHS building, room C230

Join us in supporting A Precious Child, a local nonprofit organization providing children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential.

January 23rd — February 13th

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CU International Film Series - Not Alone Anymore

Brenda Baker — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:56:58 +0000

CU International Film Series - Not Alone Anymore Brenda Baker Tue, 02/03/2026 - 08:56

In partnership with the SLHS, CU International Film Series presents Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore

Monday, February 23, 7:30 PM, Muenzinger Auditorium

Special discussion panel to follow the film!

In 1987, Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award and was thrust into the spotlight at 21 years old. Reflecting on her life in her primary language of American Sign Language, Marlee explores the complexities of what it means to be a trailblazer.

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Save the Date: Summer AAC Workshop - July 27th

Brenda Baker — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:04:16 +0000

Save the Date: Summer AAC Workshop - July 27th Brenda Baker Wed, 01/28/2026 - 17:04

Summer AAC Workshop

For more information, visit the AAC Outreach Project page.

Save the Date: Summer AAC Workshop Connected for Communication: Building Community-Based Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) Support.

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ASHA Reception

Brenda Baker — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:14:56 +0000

ASHA Reception Brenda Baker Tue, 11/18/2025 - 13:14

If you're attending ASHA this year, please join us for a CU SLHS Reception on Friday, November 21st from 7-9pm in the Horne Reception Room at Courtyard Washington Downtown Convention Center.

If you're attending ASHA this year, please join us for a CU SLHS Reception on Friday, November 21st from 7-9pm in the Horne Reception Room at Courtyard Washington Downtown Convention Center.

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SLHS Newsletter - Summer 2025

Anonymous — Fri, 03 May 2024 17:14:58 +0000

SLHS Newsletter - Summer 2025 Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 05/03/2024 - 11:14

Summer 2025 was filled with inspiring events, exciting research, student successes, and meaningful collaborations. We’re excited to share highlights from our department as we continue our work in teaching, research, and service in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and to celebrate our community’s milestones, welcome new faces, and recognize the many accomplishments of the season.

New Faces

We recently added two new staff members:

Gabrielle Reimer – Manager of Finance and Business Operations.

Brenda Baker – Academic Program Coordinator.

Building Updates

Our new classroom, SLHS C230, is now open—renovated with updated, easy-to-operate audio/visual systems and designed to be a comfortable, clean learning space.

On the second floor, we replaced the drinking fountain with a water bottle filler. To comply with ADA regulations, we installed a new wall and relocated a locker. Work will be completed in the next couple of weeks.

Faculty and Student Highlights

Leadership: Congratulations to Audra McCorkle, who has been named ASL Director in recognition of her leadership and expertise.

Don Bell-Souder successfully defended his dissertation, Electrically-evoked cortical auditory potentials: Validity, efficacy, and perception in cochlear implanted adults, on July 1, 2025. His mentor was Dr. Anu Sharma. We congratulate Dr. Bell-Souder on this outstanding achievement!

Personal news: Warm congratulations to Dr. Allison Hilger and her family on welcoming their baby in April 2025!

Scholarships

Marilyn K. Johnson Scholarship: Anna Edmundson and Natalie Sesselmann.

Frank Morris Speech and Language Pathology Scholarship: Makayla Sileo and Kaprianna Morris-Lopez.

Colorado Diversity Initiative Fellowship: Alyssa Baca.

Dwight A. Hamilton Scottish Rite Foundation Graduate Scholarships: Sara Kurutz, Sophia Wonneberger, and Sarah Booth.

SLHS Graduate Students

This fall, SLHS will welcome 33 new graduate students:

20 MA-SLP students.

4 MA-SLP leveling students.

6 AuD students.

2 PhD students (Richy Hayes and Sarah Conrad).

We’re thrilled to share an overview of the exciting work happening across SLHS this summer—from new funding and publications to student achievements and community engagement. These highlights show the depth of our department’s impact in teaching, research, and service.

Research Presentations & Publications

Our recent MA-SLP graduate Caitlin Cain and Dr. Allison Hilger, along with Drew Mancini, published “Differential diagnostic patterns of acquired motor speech disorders in children: A preliminary investigation of four case studies” in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40523843/ Drew Mancini is an SLP at Children’s Hospital and a PhD student at CU Anschutz. He is teaching SLHS 5292 Motor Speech Disorder in the fall.

MA-SLP graduates Melanie Esver and Caitlin Cloud, with Dr. Allison Hilger and Dr. Christine Brennan, published “Revisiting the cerebellum’s linguistic role: Evidence for cerebellar involvement in expressive syntax” in Springer Nature in July 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12311-025-01879-y.

Former MA student Avery K. Allen, mentored by Dr. Christine Brennan, with co-authors Christina Riseman and Dr. Allison Hilger, published “Harnessing AI for aphasia: A case report on ChatGPT’s role in supporting written expression” in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences on May 30, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2025.1600145.

Recent MA-SLP graduate Collin Eagen’s thesis, The impacts of testosterone therapy beyond fundamental frequency in transmasculine voice: Vocal quality and fricative articulation, was accepted for publication in the Journal of Voice in July 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2025.06.005 Collin defended his thesis in spring 2024 under the mentorship of Dr. Christine Brennan, Dr. Allison Hilger, and Jen Walentas Lewon. He also presented the results of his study at the 2024 ASHA convention.

A paper based on the senior honors thesis of Emily Heneman Lee, mentored by Dr. Christine Brennan, was published in the Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education in September 2025. The article is titled “Differential benefits of syllable versus grapheme instruction for English-speaking adults learning to read words in Hangul.” DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-025-00348-7.

PhD student Richy Hayes and Dr. Pui Fong Kan published “The semantic depth of Japanese-English bilingual children” in Frontiers in Language Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/flang.2025.1601352.

MA-SLP student Natalie Sesselmann and PhD student Richy Hayes, mentored by Dr. Pui Fong Kan, presented their research “Examining Microstructure and Macrostructure Elements in Narratives of Japanese-English Bilingual Children,” at the International Symposium on Bilingualism in San Sebastián, Spain.

PhD student Richy Hayes, mentored by Dr. Pui Fong Kan, also presented their poster “The Semantic Depth of Japanese-English Bilingual Children” at the International Symposium on Bilingualism Conference.

Richy Hayes, mentored by Dr. Pui Fong Kan, presented his work, The Contribution of Semantic Depth and Language Input to Narrative Macrostructure in Japanese-English Bilingual Children at the Harmonious Bilingualism Network (HaBilNet) in San Sebastián, Spain, in June 2025.

Don Bell-Souder, with co-authors Chen Chen, Anthony Spahr, and Dr. Anu Sharma, presented “Stimulating and recording cortical potentials via cochlear implant” at the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial 29th Symposium in Boulder, CO, in June 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79528-3

Kayla Cormier, with co-authors Carly Schimmel, Vinaya Manchaiah, and Dr. Anu Sharma, presented “Examining EEG correlates of tinnitus in mild to moderate hearing loss” at the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Conference in Boulder, CO, in February 2025.

Carly Schimmel, with co-authors Kayla Cormier, Dr. Stephen Cass (Anschutz), and Dr. Anu Sharma, presented “Cortical evoked potentials in conductive and mixed hearing losses” at the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Conference in Boulder, CO, in June 2025.

Dr. Anu Sharma gave two invited presentations on cochlear implants and participated in a roundtable at the European Symposium on Pediatric Cochlear Implantation in Hannover, Germany, in July 2025.

Dr. Anu Sharma gave a keynote presentation, “The rewiring brain: Cross-modal plasticity in hearing loss,” virtually at the Developmental Psychology Section of the German Society of Psychology Conference in Giessen, Germany, on September 2, 2025.

Grants & Funding

Dr. Christine Brennan was awarded a $15,000 catalyst grant by the Division of Social Sciences for her project, Exploring language in Smith-Magenis syndrome: The SMS Radio Project.

Dr. Christine Brennan and collaborator Nancy R. Lee, PhD (Drexel University), were awarded a $4,000 grant by Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (PRISMS) for their project, Vocational activities and their cognitive-behavioral correlates in adults with Smith-Magenis syndrome.

Sherri Tennant and Dr. Christine Brennan received $24,000 for their AAC outreach project, Empowering economically disadvantaged adolescents with complex communication needs. This is the sixth year of funding from the Office for Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship (PACES).

Sherri Tennant was featured in an article titled “Opening conversations: Empowering youth with complex communication needs” in May 2025, highlighting her AAC outreach grant. /outreach/paces/2025/05/19/opening-conversations-empowering-youth-complex-communication-needs.

Dr. Allison Sedey presented a webinar sponsored by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, “Language outcomes of children who are deaf or hard of hearing – birth to 6 years of age: A review of the literature.” She also received contracts from CSDB and EHDI Colorado to document language outcomes of children birth–3 years.

PhD student Richy Hayes received funding from the Harmonious Bilingualism Network (HaBilNet) to attend a research symposium in San Sebastián, Spain, in June 2025.

Events & Workshops

This fall, the Child Learning Center (CLC) celebrated its 50th anniversary with alumni, families, faculty, staff, and friends. The celebration featured a special visit from founding director Elizabeth “Tikki” Heublein, heartfelt speeches reflecting on the center’s impact, and a slideshow highlighting five decades of memories. See the article, “Tucked in the heart of campus, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s hidden gem turns 50.” Many thanks to LJ Werner, Liz Berube, Katie Miller, and the department volunteers for bringing this event to life.

ASL & Deaf Culture Workshops

Session 1: Audra McCorkle led training on clinically relevant signs, ASL gloss structure, and Deaf culture.

Session 2: River Frank guided participants through storytelling, supporting Deaf children, and clinical considerations.

At the National Stuttering Association Conference on July 1, 2025, Ryan Pollard delivered an invited presentation, “IEP goal writing strategies,” in Denver.

SLHS hosted the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Symposium (IERASG) in June. Graduate audiology students Evan Watt, Ana Sanchez, and Ann Ross volunteered. Evan assisted in a hands-on demo by renowned researcher Lisa Hunter and impressively achieved a perfect tympanometry seal on his first attempt.

Leadership AuD student Chloe Tierney visited Washington, D.C., as part of the SAA National Board, advocating for the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act.

Community Impact: Undergraduates William Randall, Kaleb Vardon, and Gemma Gallucci volunteered at the Denver Ataxia Walk n’ Roll, raising $10,000 for research.

Language Access: In June and July, graduate AuD students completed the Spanish Audiology Learning Community with Audiology en Español, strengthening bilingual service delivery. This work, facilitated by Alejandra Ullauri, expands access to high-quality audiology services for the Latino community.

Welcome to Fall Semester!

Summer 2025 was filled with inspiring events, exciting research, student successes, and meaningful collaborations. We’re excited to share highlights from our department as we continue our work in teaching, research, and service in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and to celebrate our community’s milestones, welcome new faces, and recognize the many accomplishments of the season.

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SLHS Faculty to Host Workshop: Integrating Culture and Social Justice in Language Courses

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 22:07:37 +0000

SLHS Faculty to Host Workshop: Integrating Culture and Social Justice in Language Courses Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/06/2024 - 15:07

Audra McCorkle-Geng, a faculty member in our SLHS department will be hosting a dynamic workshop with Leah Powers (FRIT). This virtual workshop will explore strategies and resources to integrate cultural awareness and social justice principles into their language curriculum. This workshop is uniquely tailored for university instructors and faculty who seek to enhance their teaching approach in beginner language courses.

Date: March 7
Time: 2:00pm -3:00pm
Zoom link: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/99857638178

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SLHS Presents: Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment Lecture

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:12:59 +0000

SLHS Presents: Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment Lecture Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/06/2024 - 12:12

The SLHS Department, is proud to welcome Aspen Christen, M.S., CC-SLP & Ali Bakke, M.A., CCC-SLP as part of the Kristina Johnston Memorial Lecture Series. Their presentation Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO): Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment lecture will include an overview of the EILO/ILO diagnosis, how it is diagnosed, as well as different treatment approaches. Presenters will be available after the workshop for questions, comments, and further review of information as needed.

When: Friday, March 8th
Time: 12:10 - 1:10pm
Location: SLHS C230 or Zoom

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Retired Faculty Association Lecture

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:42:48 +0000

Retired Faculty Association Lecture Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/06/2024 - 11:42

The SLHS Department is proud to host The Science and Practice of Efficacious Speech Treatment for Parkinson's Disease by Dr. Lorraine Ramig PhD, CCC-SLP.

Dr. Ramig spent her academic career at the University of Colorado Boulder. She was a senior scientist at the National Center for Voice and Speech in Denver, CO and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University in NYC. Her research in geriatric and neurological disorders has been funded by the National Institute of Health for more than 20 years. Dr. Ramig has been part of the LSVT since 1987, when she treated Mrs. Lee Silverman and launched LSVT LOUD, which is now considered the "gold standard" of speech treatment for those with Parkinson's disease.

We are thrilled to have her back at CU for this lecture.

When: Thursday, February 15, 2024
Time: 2:00-3:15pm
Location: SLHS C230 or via Zoom

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SLHS Department Hosts: LSVT LOUD Virtual Training and Certification Event

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:15:30 +0000

SLHS Department Hosts: LSVT LOUD Virtual Training and Certification Event Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/06/2024 - 11:15

The SLHS Department is partnering with LSVT Global to host a Virtual Live Training & Certification Course of LVST LOUD. LVST LOUD is open to speech-language pathology professionals and students and is an effective speech treatment for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions. This virtual training and certification will take place on March 22nd and 23rd and will include online self-paced training and virtual live interactive sessions. For more information visit ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s joint LVST LOUD training session flyer, to register for the training visit LSVT Global. Below is more infromation about the benefits of LVST LOUD training and registration information.

Benefits for SLP Graduate Students and Clinical Fellows

Generous pricing discounts
Provide LSVT LOUD during your clinical rotations with the supervision of an LSVT LOUD Certified Clinician
Free upgrade to professional status after you graduate, CFs automatically attain professional status

Registration

Open to speech-language pathology professionals and students. Visit www.lsvtglobal.com to register
Professional $605, Fellow $465, Student $325, Previously Certified $225 *Take $50 off professional or $30 off student pricing with code UCB24*
This course is offered for 1.3 CEUs (Advanced level; Professional area)

Reserve your spot today!

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SLHS Presents: Life on Delay Making Peace with a Stutter Book Event

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:41:21 +0000

SLHS Presents: Life on Delay Making Peace with a Stutter Book Event Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 02/06/2024 - 10:41

The SLHS department is proud to host John Hendrickson, who will be coming to the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� campus to discuss his memoir Life on Delay: Making Peace with a Stutter. Ryan Pollard, a faculty of the SLHS will be facilitating this discussion. A Q&A with the audience will follow and copies of his book will also be available for sale at the event through the Boulder Bookstore.

This event is open and free to the public and we welcome you to join us!

When: February 21st 2024
Time: 6:00pm
Location: CASE Building Room E422

John Hendrickson will be coming to the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� campus to discuss his memoir Life on Delay: Making Peace with a Stutter on February 21st 2024.

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