Research Summary
My early research focused on children with specific language impairment and more recently, on language and phonological development in young children with cleft palate. I am especially interested in the impact of clefting on the developing speech sound system, language skills of children with cleft palate, and the genetic bases of speech and language disorders.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy, PH D, Purdue University Main Campus
- Master of Science, MS, Texas Tech University
- Bachelor of Science, BS, Texas Tech University
Biography
I received a B.S. and M.S. degree from Texas Tech University in Speech-Language Pathology and a Ph.D. in Child Language Development and Disorders from Purdue University. I began my academic career at the University of Montana and then moved to Case Western Reserve University where I served as Department Chair. I am currently a Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Utah. I teach classes in phonological disorders in young children, cleft palate, and research methods. I was the PI on a multi-centered longitudinal study (funded by the NIH) of speech and language development of young children with cleft palate. I have an extensive record of scholarly publications and departmental, university, and professional service.