Jamie Azios, assistant professor in the Lamar University Speech and Hearing Department, has received the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia Distinguished Scholar Award. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in research

and mentoring which meets the needs of people living with aphasia.

“I am so honored to receive this award from such an important and influential organization,” said Azios. “Since its existence, the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia has had an unwavering focus on improving the lives of people with aphasia. What makes this group so special is their dedication to supporting research that has a tangible, real-life impact on people with aphasia and their careers.”

The award was established in 1992 after Robin Tavistock ­­– the late 14th Duke of Bedford – suffered a brain hemorrhage. His life was saved in surgery, but he was left with the inability to access language, known as aphasia. It was through the work of speech therapist and researchers that he was able to begin recovery. The trust aims to help advance research focused on improving the quality of life for people with aphasia.

“My research and clinical interests mirror the belief that the key to recovery lies in the ability of people with aphasia to engage in appropriate and successful interactions, (re)construct positive identities and sustain meaningful social relationships with others,” said Azios. “Receiving an award from Tavistock, an organization that is motivating our field to focus on the social and emotional implications of aphasia, reaffirms my commitment to this work and to the people with aphasia that we serve here at Lamar University.”

Azios hopes the award will shine a light on the important research being conducted at Lamar university, which greatly improves the lives of people with aphasia in the community.

“Through the Aphasia Conversation Lab, which is housed in the Lamar University Speech and Hearing Sciences Clinic, we have had the opportunity to build a community of support for people with aphasia and their partners,” said Azios. “Every week we offer therapy sessions that focus on improving life participation, including a book club, conversation groups and a technology group that helps people with aphasia better access the internet and smart phones.

“Watching people with aphasia develop friendships and communication confidence through these group opportunities is one of my greatest joys.”

Azios received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from the University of Louisiana – Monroe and went on the receive her doctorate in Applied Language & Speech Sciences from the University of Louisiana – Lafayette in 2015. Since then she has been a faculty member with Lamar University where she conducts research and has published 28 peer-reviewed presentations. Azios has also initiated a partnership between her department and the community. She is the founder of the Aphasia Conversation Lab, which provides free clinical services to people with aphasia and functions as a specialty clinic at LU. She has worked with the Kate Dishman Rehab Center at St. Elizabeth Hospital to improve community integration for people with aphasia.