Committee Member Spotlight: Nicole Tran

Name: Nicole Tran
University: Lamar University
Year in Program: Third Year
Committee: Communications Committee

Why did you decide to become an SAA committee volunteer?
I wanted to join SAA to contribute to the audiology student body beyond just my local chapter. I feel that we have a great deal to learn from one another and I’d like to help facilitate that. Lastly, we, the students, are the future of the profession, so I’d like to be part of a committee to help, learn, and grow as a future professional.

What has been your favorite audiology-related memory?
My favorite audiology-related memory is when I was on a mission trip to Mexico providing audiological services at a free clinic. We were treating an 8 year old child with a comorbidity of cerebral palsy. His family rode 7 hours in a bus to get to us. I was so moved by their motivation to help the boy, so I raised the money to buy him new digital hearing aids. When I fit him with the hearing aids and watched him turn around when him mom called his name – my heart melted! It was such an incredible feeling to help that little boy and facilitate improved communication between the family.

Within the profession of audiology, what are your primary interests?
I enjoy so much of the field! My primary interests are counseling/aural rehabilitation, education, amplification, and cochlear implants. I’m fascinated with cochlear implants and look forward to working more with CI patients.