At the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) 100th annual convention, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine’s Speech Pathology and Audiology students and faculty presented their research to a national audience. The annual ASHA convention provides departments from across the nation an opportunity to present their research, meet clinicians and celebrate progress within the field.  

More than 15,000 attendees participated in this year’s event, which marked ASHA’s centennial celebration. 

“This was a vibrant, creative community of professionals,” said Amanda Morrissey, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, teaching assistant professor. Morrissey’s research presentation, co-authored with Kristine Galek Ph.D., CCC-SLP, associate professor, explored how speech-language pathologists (SLP) use swallow screening tools in clinical settings. 

Morrissey’s clinical focus includes voice, swallowing and upper airway conditions, with a particular emphasis on care for people with head and neck cancer. The study aimed to better understand how clinicians identify patients at risk for swallowing impairments, a condition that can result from structural, sensory or mechanical changes. 

“Speech-language pathologists are critical partners in caring for people with swallowing disorders,” Morrissey said. “It’s important that we support evidence-based decision-making in practice.” 

Doctoral candidate Nicole K. Tomitz, M.S., CCC-SLP, also presented research at the convention, sharing a poster on preliminary findings from a larger project examining swallowing in people with Parkinson’s disease. Her work focuses on the relationship between spontaneous swallowing frequency and swallow timing, and how these factors relate to common issues such as drooling. 

“It was exciting to have clinicians come up to me about the research,” Tomitz said. “That’s why I came back to get my Ph.D. — to help clinicians in the field.” 

Tomitz said the experience of presenting at a national conference for the first time was both meaningful and energizing. She noted that the poster received positive attention from clinicians who treat people with Parkinson’s daily. 

Tomitz and Galek, her Ph.D. advisor, also developed free services for patients with Parkinson’s through a grant from the Parkinson’s Voice Project. This grant enabled participants to receive therapy designed to improve motor speech and communication. Many clinic participants have also agreed to take part in ongoing research. This collaboration allowed Tomitz to apply her research in a clinical setting where she can experience the hands-on impact of her work.  

The Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (SPA) program not only develops research, but it also integrates the research into clinical training. Last year, SPA community clinics on campus treated 3,042 patients, giving students opportunities to work closely with patients. 

Morrissey said national conferences model professional engagement and lifelong learning for students. “What we learn at the national level gets brought back to our clinic and classroom,” she said. “It helps students see how research and practice are interconnected.” 

Tomitz believes that attending the ASHA convention broadened her perspective beyond her own research niche. She pointed to sessions honoring leaders in the field that left her inspired about the long-term impact clinicians and researchers can make. 

“It’s important to get involved at the national level,” she said. “Seeing the work of others encourages collaboration and helps raise visibility for professionals here in Nevada.” 

Six UNR Med faculty and students presented at the conference, reflecting the program’s commitment to advancing evidence-based care and professional scholarship on a national stage.