ASP now inhabits every inch of our nearly $20 million renovated state-of-the-art space which spans approximately 65,000 square feet, integrating research, education, and clinical operations under one roof for the first time in 40 years. The renovation was completed in two phases over four years, with the final phase completed in August.
Being in the same building encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary activity, benefiting our students, patients, faculty, and research. With our move, we have taken the first steps toward a multidisciplinary center of excellence for individuals with communication disorders. Already, we have a few social work and occupational therapy students doing practicum here, and an occupational therapist on our faculty. They are embedded in our clinics, classrooms, and research labs, working with ASP's faculty and students for the benefi t of each other and our patients. It’s an exciting time to be part of ASP!
DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY PROGRAM RANKS 22ND IN THE NATION!
In the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools list for 2024, the AuD program moved up four spots. Students in the AuD program undergo 11 semesters of full-time, intensive academic and clinical training, and complete a research project. While academic coursework is coupled with clinical practicum each semester, four semesters are dedicated to full-time clinical experience in a variety of settings, such as private practices, physician offices, hospitals, and school systems. More than 18 clinical and academic faculty members with expertise in all areas of audiology and hearing science provide training and mentoring throughout the program.
“We are very proud of our outstanding Audiology and Speech and Language Pathology team and the training they provide every day to the students in the Doctor of Audiology program,” said Stephen Alway, PhD, dean of the College of Health Professions. “Our students receive stellar instruction for meeting the hearing needs of our communities and the state of Tennessee.”
GRAND OPENING
CEREMONIAL GRAND OPENING AND CELEBRATION OF 70+ YEARS OF SERVICE
On August 8, those working and learning in the Silverstein-Luper Hearing and Speech Center and the Pediatric Language Clinic moved to their newly renovated spaces in the UT Conference Center. On that day, every aspect of our department was finally under the same roof for the first time in over 40 years! To recognize this momentous occasion, we hosted a day of celebration on October 25. We led our alumni, community partners, and friends on guided tours of all 65,000 square feet of ASP’s beautiful, state-of-the-art space. We then held a reception to commemorate the grand opening of our new facility and honor the last 70+ years of service ASP faculty and students have provided to patients all over the Southeast. Oh, what a night! If you were unable to attend the tour and celebration in October, please know you are always welcome to drop by in person and/or visit our website at www.uthsc.edu/asp to see our departmental video, highlighting our new home.
SLP clinical faculty organize materials in one of our many new storage areas. Look at those smiles!
On her guided tour, Maggie Wheeler (in black) stops by the Silverstein-Luper Visitor and Alumni Welcome Center with her guests.
ASP’s timeline depicting 70+ years of service to our community was enjoyed by all, including ASP Community Board Member, Dr. Bill Merwin and his wife, Mary Francis. Thanks to Lee Hume for bringing our story to life on this 8 x 20-foot tapestry, which is now proudly displayed within the department.
Emily Noss (in green) shows off our Tamika Catchings Inclusive Playground to guests she is taking on a guided tour of our facilities.
UT President
Randy Boyd honored us with a video welcoming our guests to the reception and kicking off the evening’s program.
GRAND OPENING (CONTINUED)
Dr. John Little, Dean Steve Alway, Dr. Harkrider, Dr. Lisa Cunningham, and UT Health Science Center Chancellor Peter Buckley each spoke about the momentous occasion and then joined together to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Hundreds of alumni, colleagues, friends, healthcare partners, board members, students, administrators, and faculty (past and present) joined ASP to celebrate.
UT Health Science Center Chancellor Buckley greets Larry Silverstein, son of Professor Emeritus Dr. Bernie Silverstein.
Dr. Lisa Cunningham (center) talking with former classmate and current ASP Community Development Board member, Dr. James Martin, and his wife, Dr. Karen Martin. All are alumni of ASP. Dr. Cunningham, a scientific director at NIDCD, NIH and recent UT Health Science Center Alumni Award winner, spoke at the reception.
Meet our dream team! Nicole Hamel (Lauderdale Design), Lori Campbell (UT Project Manager), and Glenn Lindsay (Lindsay & Maples Architects, Inc) listened to our vision for the perfect interprofessional academic, clinical, and research space and then went out and nailed it!
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! ASP’S NEW DEPARTMENT VIDEO HAS HIT THE SCENE
Some behind the scenes views of Big Slate Media production company at work. It was impressive to watch them transform office spaces into studios, put complete strangers at ease within minutes of meeting them, and capture the essence of who we are at ASP. Can you believe they did it all in one day? To enjoy ASP’s awesome new video, please go to our website at uthsc.edu/ asp/index.php and push play. Let us know what you think!
GRANTS
ASP IS HITTING THE ROAD WITH A UT GRAND CHALLENGES GRANT AWARD!
A brand-new van enables faculty and students in the UT Health Science Center’s Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and UTK’s College of Social Work to provide comprehensive care to thousands of rural Tennesseans who live in communities without basic audiology, speech pathology, and social work (SW) services. Rather than requiring patients to travel to Knoxville, our van is staffed by student clinicians from AuD, MS SLP, and MS SW programs accompanied by faculty, all trained to serve the unique needs of patients in these areas. This mobile model supports external partners desperate for ASP and SW, including underserved schools, senior centers, and free/low-income medical clinics. In turn, external partners inform our current and future outreach efforts by sharing their history, perspectives, and priorities for their constituents, allowing us to reach and serve their community members and engender trust in our expertise and recommendations. Regular visits by the van are interleaved with case management and treatment support by team members. See an illustrative case (right).
If you know of a community who could use our help, please email us at aspoutreach@uthsc.edu.
If you are interested in supporting the efforts of our mobile unit to take comprehensive care to rural Tennesseans, please contact Amanda Armstrong at aarmst36@uthsc.edu or 865.335.8428.
PIONEERING PROGRESS:
MUSSOI RECEIVES SUBSTANTIAL GRANT FOR NEUROPLASTICITY STUDIES IN COCHLEAR IMPLANT PATIENTS
Dr. Bruna Mussoi, who joined the audiology faculty in August as associate professor, received a $100,000 Emerging Research Grant from the Hearing Health Foundation for her project, entitled "Auditory neuroplasticity following experience with cochlear implants.” Mussoi (far left) is shown below in her lab along with Dr. Beth Humphrey (far right) and a couple of AuD graduate student researchers who are gathering data for the 2-year project.
Already underway, the study investigates how neural responses evolve with cochlear implant use compared to long-term hearing aid use. The findings will enhance our understanding of how cochlear implant use affects cortical auditory neural responses in older adults and how these changes relate to speech understanding abilities. While there is strong evidence supporting these neural changes in children following cochlear implantation, evidence in adults with bilateral hearing loss remains limited.
Dr. Mussoi's passion for working with older adults began during her early clinical experience in Brazil. Outside of her professional achievements, Dr. Mussoi is a polyglot, fluent in five languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and Swedish. Her love for different cultures and languages enriches her interactions with colleagues, students, and patients alike. We are delighted to have Dr. Mussoi on board!
HEARING CONSERVATION
HEARING CONSERVATION EFFORTS ARE HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE
2024 brought many opportunities for ASP faculty, staff, and AuD students to lead a variety of hearing conservation activities –all aimed at supporting individuals who have occupational or non-occupational noise exposure. Check it out!
MUSIC STUDENTS
To continue spreading awareness about noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus, Dr. Ashley Harkrider, Dr. Saravanan Elangovan, and Julie Beeler presented in all sections of freshman seminars in the UTK Natalie L. Haslam College of Music (COM). The goals of the talks were to be interactive, informative, and compelling, showing the students NIHL data from past COM students and discussing options for musicians’ earplugs. Of note, 83% of the COM freshman reported experiencing tinnitus. Subsequently,
47 freshmen in the COM opted to participate in hearing screenings conducted by our AuD students. Of the 94 ears tested, 27% presented evidence of a noise notch. One student stated, “The audiology presentation probably changed the course of my life, getting the test results back and finding out that I have hearing problems was a significant shock, but they have been wonderful to me going back for a second test and a possible care plan.” The Dave Lipscomb Hearing Conservation Fund supported this work.
INDUSTRIES
Dr. Elangovan and some of our AuD students conducted industrial hearing tests at HallsdalePowell Utility District in north Knoxville and Nisus Corporation in Rockford, giving students experience outside the walls of our clinic while helping local businesses stay in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
VOL FANS
Our student organization, the National SpeechLanguage Hearing Association, welcomed Vol fans into Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center for a men’s basketball game, handing out ear plugs and sharing information about how to protect our ears, all while enjoying our favorite things...like Vol sports! Look who the students ran into – Santa! He now travels with earplugs too.
UT LANDSCAPING CREW AND UT POLICE
Dr. Jen Hausladen and some of our AuD students have been busy testing UTK’s landscaping crew and police officers. They are always a great group to work with and receptive to our messaging about hearing protection!
IRISH EYES ARE SMILING AFTER ASP’S STUDY ABROAD VISIT TO THE EMERALD ISLE
In May, Tricia Hedinger and Allison Wegman accompanied 14 graduate and undergraduate ASP students to Ireland on a study abroad trip focusing on speech-language pathology (SLP) advocacy, leadership, and cultural immersion. During their 10-day adventure hosted by Therapy Abroad, Inc., students met with local and national politicians, as well as faculty from the University of Cork. They participated in Cork City Hall Research Day with poster presentations and had small group discussions with local politicians and the Lord Mayor of Cork regarding the value of early intervention. Hedinger and
Wegman, along with two graduate students, presented to the Lord Mayor of Dublin about supporting SLP. The entire group received a behind-the-scenes tour of parliament and met with the Prime Minister. Hedinger was awarded the Cork City Coat of Arms, symbolizing collaboration between UT and City of Cork.
The students also explored local culture by practicing sheep herding in Killarney, spinning wool at Avoca, dancing in Dublin, enjoying a medieval feast at Bunratty Castle, and (of course) kissing the Blarney Stone!
SNEAK PEEK
ASP is planning a second study abroad trip to Costa Rica in December 2025. Students will interact with local speechlanguage pathologists, learn how to effectively work with interpreters and translators, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of San Jose.
WELCOME ABOARD!
Since its inception in 2011, ASP’s Community Development Board has been integral in guiding our program to the level of growth we enjoy today. We recently added three new members: Kristin Kammann, Dr. James Martin, and Dr. Jameson Mattingly. Enjoy learning more about them!
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN OUR BOARD?
Kristin: I have been hearing impaired most of my life, and I have been a patient at UT Audiology for many years. I also have a child who has been supported through UT Audiology services through most all her life. I see firsthand the difference that having access to quality hearing support can impact one's life and wellbeing. When I was asked to join the ASP board, I jumped at the chance to give back to an organization that has supported me so well- with the hopes of paying it forward.
James: Joining the ASP Community Development Board was an easy decision for me, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for mentoring, leadership, and shaping the future of healthcare professionals. The ASP program has long been recognized as one of the best in the country, and I am honored to contribute to its continued success. I am particularly inspired by the opportunity to work with students, guiding them toward excellence in both their academic and professional journeys. Through this role, I look forward to collaborating with board members who share a commitment to innovation, education, and community impact. Together, we can ensure that ASP remains a gold standard in professional development, providing students with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship necessary to excel in their careers.
Jameson: My love for working with those who are hearing and balance impaired. This is my day-to-day life and anything I can be a part of that spreads awareness or the message we are trying to convey is my goal.
CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
AND HOW IT ALIGNS WITH OUR ORGANIZATION’S MISSION?
Kristin: I am a Physical Therapist. While my professional background isn’t directly related to ASP, I feel like my life experiences as a hearing impaired individual and my long career in healthcare allow me to provide insights from both perspectives of clients and providers.
James: As a Doctor of Audiology, I have a diverse professional background. I've worked in various clinical environments, including over 10 years in an ENT office. I then spent over 25 years in manufacturing. Beyond clinical practice, I have always been committed to education and professional development. Training future audiologists and healthcare professionals has been an integral part of my career, aligning seamlessly with ASP’s mission to develop industry leaders. I have conducted workshops, mentored aspiring audiologists, and worked to bridge the gap between academia and real-world clinical applications.
By joining this board, I aim to help shape initiatives that enhance student success, create new opportunities for career development, and ensure ASP continues to lead as a premier program in the field. It is my privilege to serve, and I look forward to making a meaningful impact alongside my esteemed colleagues.
Jameson: I am a Neurotologist, an ENT specialist that works primarily with patients with hearing and balance impairment. I completed this additional training at The Ohio State University and stayed on faculty for a few years. While on faculty, I participated in research involving those with advanced hearing loss and vestibular disorders. I have now been in Knoxville for 4 years where my practice is almost completely clinically based. This includes advanced cases that are commonly involved with the ASP department. I work closely with the specialists at UT, and thus we are very like-minded when it comes to the goals of the department. I still have a passion for being involved in an academic setting and am thankful to be able to continue this at UT.
Dr. James Martin (left) with Kristin Kammann. Dr. Jameson Mattingly guest lectures in an AuD class.
HUMPHREY’S PASSION FOR ADVOCACY EXTENDS TO NEW ROLES
Dr. Beth Humphrey, former President of Tennessee Association of Audiologists, has stepped into two new roles. At the national level, she joined the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Committee of Ambassadors. Additionally, Humphrey is Tennessee’s new StAMP representative, a.k.a. a state advocate for Medicare Policy for audiology and speech-language pathology. In these roles, Humphrey provides leadership and guidance on issues related to Medicare coverage, reimbursement, and service delivery. She meets with the ASHA StAMP liaison every month to discuss updates and collaborate on strategies, then reports back to the TAASLP team and her colleagues across the state to share key items. Thanks to Dr. Humphrey for yet again taking the lead on both the state and national level to be a change champion for our disciplines!
Dr. Humphrey stands with her colleagues from TAASLP before an advocacy presentation to ASP students.
IMPACT AWARD FOR BEELER
Julie Beeler, ASP’s Program Liaison, earned the 2024 UT Health Science Center Chancellor’s Impact Award. It recognizes one non-faculty exempt employee from the entire university for demonstrating outstanding service and making significant contributions to the university community beyond beyond what is normally expected for their position. Julie has been with the university since 1996 and with ASP for 23 of those years. One of her nominators wrote, “Many people would be overwhelmed by the variety and complexity of her set of responsibilities. Julie is not. Her demeanor is pleasant, positive, and professional always. She does not shy away from difficult tasks and, in fact, has an excellent track record of consistently and strategically breaking down barriers that negatively impact the constituents of our department and UT Health Science Center. She has earned the respect of everyone from presidents of national organizations to state leaders, university administrators, patients, healthcare partners, board members, students, and peers.” ASP is grateful and proud she is a member of our team. The UT Health Science Center’s Chancellor, Peter Buckley, presented the award.
Beeler and an ASP undergraduate student welcome people into the Knoxville Convention Center for the Ceremonial Grand Opening.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF 2024
TOP-TIER PERFORMANCE
AuD student Carly Minhinnett (left) and MS-SLP student Kristina Riley (right) received the Silverstein First Year Clinician Award at orientation. This award is named after the late Dr. Bernie Silverstein, a former professor of speechlanguage pathology and pillar of the department. The recipients, selected by the clinical faculty, are recognized for outstanding clinical performance in the first year of their program. Congratulations!
NOTABLE TRAINEESHIP
In February, AuD student Ezra Flores (right) presented at the American Auditory Society (AAS) Conference in Arizona. Ezra shared findings from research conducted during her 2023 summer T35 traineeship at the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) in Oregon. Being selected as a T35 trainee is an impressive achievement, as NCRAR offers only 4 summer traineeships, which aim at encouraging research careers within auditory/hearing science. Ezra’s trip was funded by the Denise Descouzis Audiology Student Travel Scholarship and a travel award for T35 trainees through AAS. Way to go, Ezra!
GHOULISH GOOD TIMES
In October, our new Conference Center spaces were the perfect backdrop for Trick-or-Treating for our littles. We had a fantastic turn out of ghosts, goblins, and everything in between. Our students made the event a blast for all! Around the same time, Dr. Harkrider decided to have a little fun as Richard Simmons at our Employee Appreciation lunch, held at the Locust Street Plaza. She tried her best to get everyone there, including the SLPs dressed as crayons, to sweat to the oldies!
TAILORING COMMUNICATION FOR DIVERSE NEEDS
The 2024 Sol Adler Memorial Conference brought attendees up-to-speed on culturally-responsive practices with AAC across the lifespan. Many thanks to our keynote presenter, Dr. Teri Muñoz, for sharing her expertise and innovative ideas throughout the day. Dr. Muñoz (3rd from right) is shown here with the conference planning committee. We are grateful to the Adler family for their lasting support of ASP!
HELPING LOLA GET ADOPTED
Want to have some extra fun as an audiologist? Take part in animal audiology! We were happy to help Lenior City Animal Shelter and Loudon K9 Paws and Tails learn more about Lola’s hearing to help her chance at adoption. This 4-year-old behaved perfectly on her field trip to Knoxville and, a few months later, found a new forever home with owners who understand her deafness.
RISING SCHOLARS
In May, several undergraduate students and their faculty mentor, Dr. Jillian McCarthy, took home third place for their presentation at UTK EUReCA Day. Their research examined basic concept vocabulary in young children’s tv shows and made our department proud!
AN EXCEPTIONAL LINE-UP OF SPEAKERS!
The 2024 Tom Davidson Memorial Conference was held in conjunction with our Ceremonial Grand Opening. The morning opened with Dr. Gail Whitelaw (center) from The Ohio State University who presented, “Focus on Functional Hearing.” Then, Dr. Lisa Cunningham (left) from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at the National Institutes of Health presented, “Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss – Basic Science to Clinical Research,” and Dr. Dana Urbanski (right) from ASP presented, “Hearing Loss and Cognition: Current Evidence and Clinical Insights for Audiologists.” Everyone gained fresh and practical information. Many thanks to the Davidson family for their continued support of our program!
Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology
UT Conference Center
600 Henley Street, Suite 119 Knoxville, TN 37996
LOOKING AHEAD GRADUATION CEREMONIES
Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Pathology: Saturday, May 17 | 1:30 pm | Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Doctor of Audiology, Doctor of Philosophy in Speech and Hearing Sciences: Wednesday, May 14 | 3:30 pm | University of Tennessee Student Union Auditorium
