Ashley L. Dockens

Associate Dean of Policy and Procedure, College of Graduate Studies

Director of Lamar University's Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement (CTLE)

Tenured Associate Professor of Speech and Hearing Sciences - Adjunct

Office: Wimberly Building, College of Grad Studies, 219C
Phone: 409-880-8181 or 409-880-1812
Emails: lugradstudies@lamar.edu, dept_CTLE@lamar.edu, adockens@lamar.edu 
 
EDUCATION


Ph.D.   Doctor of Philosophy Communication Sciences & Disorders

University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama - Focus on higher education and administration 

Au.D.   Doctor of Audiology Clinical Audiology

University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

B.S.     Bachelor of Science Communication Sciences & Disorders

University of Montevallo, Montevallo, Alabama

A.A.     Associates of Arts General Studies, Theatre & Literature concentration

Northeast Alabama Community College, Rainsville, Alabama

RESEARCH

RESEARCH INTERESTS           

Current research focusing on: Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education; Technology adoption across faculty generations; Graduate Education. Communication sciences and disorders expertise in (1) Reemergence of aural rehabilitation in audiology, (2) Accessibility and affordability of hearing care/technologies (including telehealth, eHealth, and rural access), (3) Biopsychosocial approach to hearing care, and (4) Undergraduate and Graduate training and curriculum in communication sciences and disorders. Well-published in high impact journals and externally and internally funded.

LABORATORY DEVELOPMENT
Creation of Hearing Healthcare and Self-Management research laboratories in the Speech and Hearing Department for digital health, aural rehabilitation, hearing technologies, self-management, psychoacoustic, and other auditory research. Secured and installed large handicap accessible high-quality sound treated room, outfitted an existing sound treated room, added 2 computer-based audiometers, 1 middle ear analyzer, a high-quality sound level meter, a KEMAR (head and torso simulator for acoustic research), hand-held and video otoscopes, a full online health lab for telehealth, a hearing aid analyzer to fit and analyze hearing device performance, 4 sets of ReSound receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids and accessories for television, phone, personal microphone and group microphone settings, and appropriate lab furniture. Laboratory studies are regularly completed in this space. This lab is fully operational for not only a wide-variety of auditory research projects, but also as a learning center for undergraduate students in Speech and Hearing Sciences and graduate students enrolled in the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program.

GRANTS

External Grants

Funded:

2022-2025. Co-Primary Investigator. Chisholm, L., Dockens, A., Palmer, T. LU Interprofessional Rural Health Literacy and Chronic Care CONNECT through Distance Education and Telemedicine Project. Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program, Rural Utilities service. TX0793-A16. United States Department of Agriculture. $230,167.

2022-2025. Co-Primary Investigator. Anonymous Donor. Cash Match to above USDA Grant. $36,000.

2022. Advisory Board. Davila, V., Flores, H., Dockens, A.L., Deland, H., Titus, F., Alm, J., Hebert, N., Hoover, R., Sias, A., White, J., and Stewart, A. Accelerating Student Success of Underserved Populations in Southeast Texas. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, GEER grant. $50,000.

Internal Grants (all funded)

2023. Primary Investigator. Dockens, A.L., Shelton, J., Welch, B., Smith, T., Jones, A., *Harrington, M., & *Nwazojie, S. Enhancing Faculty Attitudes and Self-Efficacy in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration for Post-Disaster Higher Education Resilience. Lamar University Center for Resiliency. $45,504.

2023. Co-Primary Investigator. Chisholm, L., Palmer, T., Moss, P., Rolf, C., Thibodeaux, T., Dockens, A.L., & Gummelt, G. Promoting Resiliency and Aging in Place through Preventative Care, Education, Remote Patient Monitoring, and Telehealth/Telemedicine. Lamar University Center for Resiliency. $18,164.

2022. Primary Investigator. Dockens, A.L., Thibodeaux, T., Chisholm, L., Palmer, T., and Felipe, L. Supporting Resiliency in Rural Health Through Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Distance Education. Lamar University Center for Resiliency. $58,000.

2022. Co-Primary Investigator. Thibodeaux, T., Dockens, A.L., Chisholm, L., Palmer, T., Harapnuik, D. Promoting Resiliency in Rural Schools and Communities through Distance Education Programming, Resources, and Opportunity. Lamar University Center for Resiliency. $51,000.

2017-2020. Primary Investigator. Dockens, A.L. Proposing a semi-randomized controlled aural rehabilitation treatment efficacy study for users of hearing aid versus personal sound amplifier product (PSAP) as pilot data collection for application to the National Institutes of Health for an R15, K23, or R21 Grant. Research Enhancement Proposal Writing Grant, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. $15,000.

2016-2019. Co-Primary Investigator. Harn, M., Andrei, S., Manchaiah, M., Dockens, A.L., Azios, J., & Long, E. A Center for Applications of Digital Technologies in Health and Disabilities. Visionary Project Grant, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. $300,000.

2015. Co-Primary Investigator. Harn, M., Dockens, A.L., & Burns, E. The relationship between clinician linguistic factors and patient perception during aural rehabilitation. Research Enhancement Grant, Lamar University Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, Beaumont, Texas. $5000.

Mentored Student Grants/Research

2019. *Torres, M., Dockens, A.L., & Reading, H. Perceptions of Hearing Care and Services in Schools by School Staff, Faculty, and Administrators in Southeast Texas. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Lamar University Office of Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. $4500 total: $1000 research funds; $2000 student stipend; $1000 faculty stipends; $500 faculty travel award.

2019. *Torres, M., Dockens, A.L., & Reading, H. Perceptions of Hearing Care and Services in Schools by Parents of Children with deafness or hearing loss. Ronald E. McNair Scholars Fellowship, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. $2800 student stipend; $1000 faculty stipends; $150 miscellaneous research needs; Summer room, board, tuition, and fees for the student.

2019. *Hunnicutt, S., Felipe, L., & Dockens, A.L. Working Title: Topic – Virtual Reality and Balance Disorders. Ronald E. McNair Scholars Fellowship, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. $2800 student stipend; $1000 faculty stipends; $150 miscellaneous research needs; Summer room, board, tuition, and fees for the student

2018. *Boase, K., Dockens, A.L., & Reading, H. Identifying Use of On-Campus Hearing Services and Accommodations by College Students with Hearing Loss in Southeast Texas. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Lamar University Office of Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. $4500 total: $1000 research funds; $2000 student stipend; $1000 faculty stipends; $500 faculty travel award.

2017. *Sfeir, N., Dockens, A.L., & Whisenhunt Saar, K. Evaluation of dementia-friendly communities in the US and UK: development, accessibility, and barriers to develop a pilot community café on LU’s campus housed in the Speech & Hearing Sciences department. David J. Beck Fellowship. Beaumont, Texas. $10,000 plus student room, board, tuition, and fees.

2016. *Barnes, K. & Dockens, A.L. The development and analysis of accessible and appropriate adult aural rehabilitation intervention materials. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. $4500 total: $1000 research funds; $2000 student stipend; $1000 faculty stipend; $500 faculty travel award.

2015. *Caswell, K. & Dockens, A.L. A survey of self-efficacy and confidence in evidence-based practice across undergraduate and graduate students in Audiology programs across Texas. Ronald E. McNair Scholars Fellowship, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. $2800 student stipend; $1000 faculty stipend; $150 miscellaneous research needs; Summer room, board, tuition, and fees for the student.

2015. *Taylor, K. & Dockens, A.L. A survey and analysis of audiologist opinion on audiological and remediation habits. Lamar University Office of Undergraduate Research Grant, Beaumont Texas. $2000 total: $1000 research funds; $500 student stipend; $500 faculty stipend.

2014. *Taylor, K. & Dockens, A.L. A survey of prevention and remediation of audiological habits in older adults of Jefferson County, Texas. Lamar University Office of Undergraduate Research Grant, Beaumont Texas. $2000 total: $1000 research funds; $500 student stipend; $500 faculty stipend.

Select Publications  

Manchaiah, V., Dockens, A.L., Flagge, A.G., Harn, M., Hartwell Azios, J., Kelly Campbell, R.J., & Andersson, G. (2019). Quality and readability of English-language Internet information for tinnitus. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 30(1), 31-40. DOI: 10.3766/jaaa/17070

Azios, J.H., Bellon-Harn, M., Manchaiah, V., Dockens, A.L. (2019). Quality and readability of English-language Internet information for Aphasia. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 21(1), 1-9. DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2017.1362034

*Upreti, R., *Gurung, N., Manchaiah, V., Harn, A., Dockens, A.L., Azios, J., Long, E., Dueppen, A., & Andrei, S. (2019). Design and Developing a Digital Health Learning Platform – iManage. ACET: Journal of Computer Education and Research, 13(1), 1-11. 

Manchaiah, V., Bellon-Harn, M.L., Dockens, A.L., Harn, W.E. (2019). Communication between audiologist, patient, and patient’s family members during initial audiology consultation and rehabilitation planning sessions: A descriptive review, Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 30(9), 810-819, ePub ahead of print (2018 Nov 29). DOI:10.3766/jaaa.18032

Dockens, A.L. (Jan/Feb 2018). "Deaf Culture: Exploring Deaf Communities in the United States" by Irene Leigh, Jean Andrews, Raychelle Harris," A Resource Review. Ear and Hearing, 39(1), 188-189. DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000513

Bellon-Harn, M., *Smith, D.J., Dockens, A.L., Manchaiah, V. & Hartwell Azios, J. (2018). Quantity, quality, and readability of Internet information for young adults with ASD seeking post-secondary education support and information. Reading Improvement, 55(1), 7-15. Available from: https://www.projectinnovation.com/reading-improvement.html

Dockens, A.L., Bellon-Harn, M., Burns, E., Manchaiah, V. & *Hinojosa, O. (2017). Examination of an audiologist’s response to patient’s expression of symptoms: A pilot study. Journal of Audiology and Otology, 21(2), 115-119. DOI: 10.7874/jao.2017.21.2.115

Bellon-Harn, M., Hartwell Azios, J., Dockens, A.L. & Manchaiah, V. (2017). Speech-language pathologists’ preferences for patient-centeredness. Journal of Communication Disorders, 68, 81-88. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2017.06.012.

Manchaiah, V., Taylor, B., Dockens, A.L., *Tran, N., *Lane, N.R., *Castle, M., & *Grover, V. (2017). Applications of direct-to-consumer hearing devices for adults with hearing loss: A review. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 12, 859- 871. DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S135390.

Dockens, A.L., Harn, M. & Manchaiah, V. (2016). Preferences to patient-centeredness in pre-service speech and hearing science students: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Audiology & Otology, 20(2), 73-79. 

Manchaiah, V., Tomé, D., Dockens, A.L., Harn, M. & Ganesan, P. (2016). Preference to patient-centeredness in undergraduate audiology students in Portugal. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 27(10), 816-823. DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.15129

Manchaiah, V., Dockens, A.L., Bellon-Harn, M. & Burns, E. (2016). Noncongruence between audiologists and patient’s preferences for patient-centeredness and its association with patient satisfaction. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 28(7), 636-643. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3766/jaaa.1608

Dockens, A.L. (2015). The relationship between comfortable loudness range and behavioral auditory dynamic range in older listeners with and without sensorineural hearing loss. (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global database. (Accession Order No. AAT 3738424).

Research Highlighted in 

Sounding Board (2023). The Official Magazine of the Hearing Aid Audiology Society of Australia. Conversations about mental illness and health in adult audiological rehabilitation. haasa.org.au 

The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Learn. (2023). https://cfpclearn.ca/ Do-It-Yourself Hearing Aids: Do self-fitted hearing aids improve hearing for adults with mild to moderate-severe hearing loss?  A Physicians Tools for Practice Guide.

Taylor, B. (2022). Relationship-Centered Consultation Skills for Audiologists: Remote and In-Person Care. Plural, San Diego, CA.

VirtualHearingLab. (2022). https://virtualhearinglab.org The Virtual Hearing Lab is an interdisciplinary collaborative research initiative with the aim to improve hearing health access, affordability, and outcomes by capitalizing on the internet, virtual spaces, and digital health.

Manchaiah, V. Beukes, E., & Roeser, R. (2022). Evaluating and Conducting Research in Audiology. Plural, San Diego, CA.

World Health Organization (WHO, 2021). World Report on Hearing. WHO, Geneva.

British Academy of Audiology (BAA, 2020). A Guide to Remote Working in Audiology Services During Covid-19 and Beyond: Practical guidance for remote hearing care. BAA.

Manchaiah, V., Danermark, B., Germundsson, P., & Ratinaud, P. (2019). Disability and Social Representations Theory: The Case of Hearing Loss. Routledge, New York, NY.

Oaktree Products – The leading provider of clinical supplies to the hearing care industry. Resources on Personal Sound Amplifying Products. https://www.oaktreeproducts.com/psap-resources

King, K. (2016). “LU researchers seeking solutions to hearing loss.” The Examiner: The Independent Voice of Southeast Texas.

Select Presentations/Published Abstracts

2024. Invited. Dockens, A.L. AI and Us: Preparing for Our Generative Technology Future. Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers (TCCAO). Austin, Texas.

2023. Invited Keynote Panelist. Dr. Ashley Dockens, Lamar University, Dr. Szymon Machajewski, University of Illinois Chicago, Danna Teicheira, University of Arkansas-Grantham & Darcy Hardy, Anthology (moderator). Challenges and Opportunities of Generative AI in Teaching and Learning. Digital Teaching Symposium, Anthology, Inc., parent company of Blackboard Learning Management System. Virtual.

2023. Dockens, A.L. Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education. Keynote for Wayland Baptist University Faculty Development. Plainview, Texas.

*Hunnicutt, S., *Gbadebo, H., *Robledo, K., & *Saunders, H. Faculty Mentor: Dockens, A. (2023). The Potential Effects COVID has on the Vestibular System. Presented at the 2023 Annual American Academy of Audiology Conference, April, 2023, Seattle, Washington.

Dockens, A., Howard, C., & Reading, H. (2022). Incentives and Barriers to Precepting Doctor of Audiology Students. 1-Hour Presentation and Poster presented at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention, Fort Worth, Texas.

*Torres, M. & Dockens, A.L. (2019). Perceptions of Audiological Care in Public Schools by Parents, Providers, and Administrators in Southeast Texas. Presentation at the Humanities, Arts, Social Behavioral Sciences, Education, Business (HASBSEB) Conference, Beaumont, Texas. Student won second place in poster presentation. 

Flagge, A. & Dockens, A. (2019). Using Music to Promote Language, Literacy, and Social Interaction in Children with Hearing Loss. 1-Hour Presentation presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention, Orlando, Florida.

Torres, M. & Dockens, A.L. (2019). Perceptions of Audiological Care in Public Schools by Parents, Providers, and Administrators in Southeast Texas. Work in progress. 1-Hour Presentation at the 25th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference in Niagara Falls, NY.

*Sfeir, N., Dockens, A.L., & Whisenhunt Saar, K. (2018). Exploration of Dementia-Friendly Communities in UK & USA – Pilot Development of a Memory Café. Poster Presentation at the 53rd Annual National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

Manchaiah, V., Bellon-Harn, M., Dockens, A.L., & Azios, J. (2018). Communication Between Audiologist, Patient, & Their Family Members During Initial Audiology Consultation Sessions. 1-Hour Presentation at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention, Boston, Massachusetts.

Whisenhunt Saar, K., Dockens, A.L., & Byers, B. (2018). Cultivating Empathy through Study Abroad. Poster Presentation at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention, Boston, Massachusetts.

Dockens, A.L., Bellon-Harn, M., Hartwell-Azios, J., Manchaiah, V., & Dueppen, A. (2018). Analyzing Quality and Readability of Internet Resources for Your Patients. 1-Hour Presentation at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention & Exhibition, Houston, Texas.

Hartwell-Azios, J., Dockens, A.L., Bellon-Harn, M., Manchaiah, V., & Whisenhunt Saar, K. (2018). Meeting Critical Needs through the Development of eHealth Programs. 1.5-Hour Presentation at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention & Exhibition, Houston, Texas.

Hartwell-Azios, J., Dockens, A.L., *Wyatt, M.K., & *Lyles, C.D. (2018). SPPARCing a Conversation: Partner training programs in speech-language pathology and audiology. Poster Presentation at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention & Exhibition, Houston, Texas.

*Boase, K., Reading, H., & Dockens, A.L. (2018). Knowledge, Use, and Barriers of On-Campus Hearing Services and Accommodations for College Students. Poster Presentation at the Annual Texas Academy of Audiology Conference, The Woodlands, Texas.

*Boase, K., Reading, H., & Dockens, A.L. (2018). Identifying Use of On-Campus Hearing Services and Accommodations by College Students with Hearing Loss in Southeast Texas. Poster Presentation at the Humanities, Arts, Social Behavioral Sciences, Education, Business (HASBSEB) Conference, Beaumont, Texas. Student won second best poster presentation.

Bronson, D., Whisenhunt Saar, K. & Dockens, A.L. (November 2017). “Do SLPs feel they successfully maintain a healthy work-life balance?” Poster presentation at the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Los Angeles, California.

Whisenhunt Saar, K., Azios, J., Buegge, G., & Dockens, A.L. (November 2017). “Reflections of Study Abroad” Poster presentation at the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Los Angeles, California. 

*Sfeir, N. & Dockens, A.L. (2017). Developing Dementia-Friendly Community in Beaumont, Texas. Presentation for the 4th Annual Humanities, Arts, Social Behavioral Sciences, Education, Business (HASBSEB) Conference, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. – Student won best presentation.

Andrei, S., Bellon-Harn, M., Manchaiah, V., Dockens, A., Hartwell Azios, J., Long, E. & Bronson, D. (2016). The design of a Center of excellence for Applications of Digital Technologies (CADT) in the care and management of health and disability. Association of Computer Education in Texas (ACET) Conference, Beaumont (USA), October 2016.

*Barnes, K., *Akpan, I., & Dockens, A.L. (2016). The development and analysis of accessible and appropriate adult aural rehabilitation intervention materials: development. Presentation for the Annual Humanities, Arts, Social Behavioral Sciences, Education, Business (HASBSEB) Conference, Beaumont, Texas.

Harn, M., Dockens, A.L., & Manchaiah, V. (2016). “Quality Care: Increasing underrepresented minorities in speech and hearing professions.” 1-hour presentation at the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.

Gordon-Hickey, S., Dockens, A.L., Adams, E., & Moore, R. (2009). Effect of different stimulus conditions on Acceptable Noise Levels for older adults with hearing loss. Poster presentation for the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Research in Progress

Dockens, A.L., Shelton, J., Welch, B., Smith, T., Jones, A., *Harrington, M., & *Nwazojie, S. Enhancing Faculty Attitudes and Self-Efficacy in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration for Post-Disaster Higher Education Resilience.

Long, E., Dockens, A.L., & Gummelt, G. Navigating Generational Differences in Higher Education: Faculty Perspectives.

Gummelt, G., Long, E.M., Dockens, A.L., Smith, T., Long, E., & Welch, B. Resiliency in Higher Education Post-Disaster: Navigating Generational Differences in Adaptation to Technology

Selected Distinctions

2023     Student’s Choice Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Effectiveness. Recognition for exceptional teaching effectiveness based on student feedback. LU, Beaumont, Texas.

2023     Student’s Choice Teaching Excellence Award for Stimulating Meaningful Discussion. Recognition for exceptional ability to stimulate meaningful course discussions based on student feedback. LU, Beaumont, Texas.

2020     Innovative Teaching Excellence Award. Awarded for Innovative Teaching and Excellence. College of Fine Arts and Communications. Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas.

2019     David J. Beck Teaching Excellence. Nominee and Finalist. Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas.

2019     Faculty Mentor Award Recipient. Awarded the Faculty Mentor of the Year Award from the Office of Undergraduate Research. Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas.

2018     Lamar University Merit Award Recipient. One of three recipients at the University of an award, recognizing professors for scholarship, service, classroom performance, and student interaction. Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas            

2017     Lamar University Merit Award Nominee. An award, recognizing professors for scholarship, service, classroom performance, and student interaction. 

2016     Lamar University Merit Award Nominee. An award, recognizing professors for scholarship, service, classroom performance, and student interaction.   

2015     Alpha Chi Omega Greek Society Favorite Professor Recognition. Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas.

2014     SMART (Support & Mentoring to Advance Teaching Program) Fellow, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas.

COURSES TAUGHT

GRADUATE/DOCTORAL (Au.D.)

2023 to present. Acoustics and Psychoacoustics: The study of acoustics (physics of sound) and psychoacoustics (perception of sound) are covered. The aim of this course is an understanding of the comprehensive physical, physiological, and cognitive issues related to production of sound and listening. Principles and application of acoustics and psychoacoustics as they apply to clinic audiology and communication are provided.

2022 to present. Analysis of Professional Literature: This purpose of this course is to facilitate the ability to read, analyze, evaluate, and critique contemporary literature in audiology. Specifically, the course will prepare students to become knowledgeable and skilled consumers of professional and academic literature by providing the means to evaluate the hypothesis, methodology results and conclusions drawn or inferred.

2022 to 2023. Research Methods: This doctoral level course will introduce students to the origin and philosophies behind the qualitative and quantitative approach to empirical science. Specifically, the course will provide knowledge and skills on developing a quantitative research study considering the ethical aspects, choose and perform appropriate statistical test and draw appropriate conclusions considering the limitations of the study.

2016 to 2022. Aural Rehabilitation – Lifespan: This course offers in-depth examination of the provision of aural rehabilitation across the lifespan. Didactic lectures and direct experiences are utilized to gain greater perspective into the therapy, treatment, and intervention processes of hearing rehabilitation. Elements of amplification, communication training, patient education, and counseling are discussed.

2015 to 2022. Advanced Hearing Aids: This course is designed to build upon knowledge from SPHS 6312 (Intro to Hearing Aids). It will further expand and augment skills for hearing aid and assistive device selection, programming, fitting, orientation, and verification for populations across the lifespan. Didactic lectures and direct lab experiences will be provided.

2021. Practice Management. This course addresses issues associated with audiology practice management. Students will be provided with the foundation necessary to initiate and manage a successful clinical practice. Individual management styles, selection and appraisal of office staff, marketing, budgeting and fiscal fitness will be discussed. Ethics and professional issues in various practice settings, including multicultural considerations, licensure, certification, etc. are discussed.

2016 to 2021. Advanced Rehabilitation and Case Studies: This is a graduate level course on the principles and treatment practices for aural and vestibular rehabilitation. Covered material will include the potential impact of tinnitus and vestibular impairment with models and management approaches and critical appraisal of the evidence base available in supporting clinical decisions. It is intended to prepare students for additional clinical learning and supervised and independent assessment. 

2016 to 2021. Introduction to Hearing Aids: This course provides an introduction to amplification, acoustics, fitting principles, and related components. Direct practice in electroacoustic analyses of hearing aids, ear impressions, and hearing aid and earmold modification and repair will be completed. Didactic lectures will be combined with hands-on experience to augment understanding of principles discussed.

2015 to 2020. Acoustics and Psychoacoustics: The study of acoustics (physics of sound) and psychoacoustics (perception of sound) are covered. The aim of this course is an understanding of the comprehensive physical, physiological, and cognitive issues related to production of sound and listening. Principles and application of acoustics and psychoacoustics as they apply to clinic audiology and communication are provided.

2019. Advanced Clinical Practicum (on-campus): This graduate level practicum course is designed to provide graduate students with experience in assessment and management of children and adults with a variety of auditory, vestibular and related disorders. Students are assigned to on-campus and/or local off-campus clinical sites affiliated with the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences to obtain needed experience. 

2016 to 2017. Auditory Processing Disorders: This course offers investigation of the theory, diagnosis, and management of auditory processing disorders (APD). Evidence-based practices for APD across the lifespan will be evaluated and discussed. APD controversies will also be considered. Management and treatment techniques will be demonstrated and examined.

2016. Medical Audiology: Study of hearing-related pathologies and their influence on auditory/vestibular systems. Focus placed on etiology, signs and symptoms, and differential diagnosis of various pathologies. Also included, instruction and practicum for cerumen management.

2015. Introduction to Graduate Studies (Evidence-Based Practice and Instrumentation): An introduction to evidence-based clinical practices and audiological instrumentation. Preparatory for clinical practicum, as students learn to perform and interpret routine audiological procedures. Students are required to locate and apply modern research to typical clinical evaluations. Didactic lectures and hands-on laboratory experience are combined. Professional expectations, infection control, scope of practice, and ethics are discussed.

UNDERGRADUATE

2020. Honors Seminar: Empathy/Perspective HNRS-3161 Come Into My Head: Empathy and Perspective Taking: This course will cover the pillars of emotional intelligence - with special focus on empathy, and its various types. Students will engage in examination and exploration of use of emotional intelligence, as well as, empathetic thinking and language. The course will draw from research and the interprofessional and personal experiences of the faculty instructor. Students will be expected to engage in active writing, discussion, debate, and role play improvisations.

2017 to 2020. Professional Report Writing: Professional report writing for the speech and hearing sciences will be included in this writing intensive course. Specific formatting, correct use of terminology, and promotion of positive collegial interaction via written report will be explored.

2014 to 2019. Problems and Projects: Special research/project course taken with approval by faculty and Chair. Development of course varies with each student and their project/grant.

2017 to 2018. Interprofessional Education: This is an introductory course designed to survey concepts of interdisciplinary clinical teams including professional members and collaborative processes.

2016 to 2017. Phonetics: Knowledge of American English sound system and syllable structure including proficiency in using the International Phonetic Alphabet for phonetic transcription. 

2014 to 2017. Audiologic Rehabilitation: Explores the area of assistive listening devices, hearing aids, and other treatment and intervention methods and modalities. The course also includes an in-depth exploration of communication repair strategies, counseling techniques, and an overview of patient education and teaching methods and strategies.

2014 to 2016. Hearing Anatomy, Physiology, and Disorders: The anatomy and physiology of the peripheral auditory mechanism. Also included are pathologies, which affect the various anatomic structures.

2014 to 2016. Advanced Audiology (AUD II): A comprehensive survey of hearing evaluation procedures, and clinical evaluation techniques with emphases on hands-on application of skills.

2015. Introduction to Speech, Language, Hearing Disorders: An overview of the professions of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

2014 to 2015. Introduction to Audiology (AUD I): An overview of the professional field of audiology, the professional terminology, testing techniques, and procedures of the evaluation of a patient; interpretation of evaluation data, and application of information to the (re)habilitation program of the patient.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE
Current:    
AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGE HEARING ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATE OF CLINICAL COMPETENCY IN AUDIOLOGY (CCC-A)  ASHA Identification: 14154724

Current:
Texas State licensed audiologist – License 808 Texas Department of State Health Services

Updated 2023.