Britteny Cullen

About Britteny

Brittney Cullen is a third-year Doctor of Audiology student at Drexel University’s Elkins Park Campus. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and has held multiple leadership and academic support roles throughout her academic career. During graduate school, Brittney has been involved in clinical and research-based projects, with particular interests in hearing conservation and vestibular audiology. Brittney has been actively involved with the national SAA throughout her graduate training and is currently serving her second term as the Pennsylvania State Ambassador. She is passionate about student advocacy, leadership development, and strengthening connections within the audiology community, and is excited about the prospect of serving on the national SAA Board of Directors. Outside of audiology, Brittney enjoys spending time in the kitchen, getting lost in a good book, and relaxing with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Maverick.

If you could change one thing about the profession of audiology, what would it be?

I would love to see a larger emphasis on hearing conservation and preventive care. Too often, patients do not see an audiologist until hearing issues arise. Shifting our field toward a stronger preventive health model would not only improve long-term outcomes but also enhance public understanding of the importance of hearing healthcare across the lifespan.

My research in hearing conservation has made this need even clearer to me. Throughout our study, I have seen firsthand that prevention is not simply about reducing sound levels, but it’s about ensuring that people have access to protection solutions that are both effective and usable. This work has highlighted gaps in public education, accessibility, and awareness surrounding noise exposure, especially for individuals in high-risk occupations or noisy recreational environments. Strengthening prevention efforts within audiology would allow us to reach communities earlier, reduce the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss, and empower individuals to make informed choices about their hearing health.

What unique traits or skills will you bring to a leadership position with the national SAA?

I bring a combination of strong organizational skills, creativity, and a service-based leadership style that would benefit the national SAA. Through my roles as Executive Vice President and Chair of the Campus Activities Committee of my local SAA Chapter, and the national SAA Pennsylvania State Ambassador, I have gained extensive experience managing complex projects, coordinating large events, and delegating tasks effectively. These roles have strengthened my ability to take broad ideas and turn them into clear, actionable plans.

I am highly detail-oriented and excel at maintaining structure while supporting the people I am working with. Whether coordinating statewide chapter communication, planning formal university events, or collaborating on community outreach initiatives with other professional programs, I consistently ensure that projects run efficiently and that team members feel informed and valued.

I also bring strong interpersonal and communication skills. As a State Ambassador, tutor, and teaching assistant, I work closely with prospective and current students, helping them navigate academic and clinical challenges. These experiences have strengthened my mentorship skills and my commitment to creating a supportive student community. I believe that overall, I bring reliability, initiative, and a genuine passion for supporting audiology students nationwide!