Another year, another group of student leaders! The national SAA is gearing up to welcome the next SAA Board of Directors, but first, we must vote! The 2022-2023 SAA Board of Directors has eight (8) open positions for member-at-large (MALs) and one open position for president-elect. MALs serve a one-year term and the President-elect serves a three-year term, one year as president-elect, one year as president, and one year as SAA past president. Additionally, candidates running for president-elect are also eligible to run for member-at-large. The candidate elected as president-elect will not be counted in the tally for member-at-large slate. For more information on the positions, review the roles and responsibilities of SAA leadership.
Scroll through or click on the names in the photos to learn more about your 2022-2023 SAA Board of Directors candidates!
President-Elect and Member-at-Large Candidates
LR Nguyen
Candidacy: President-Elect and Member-at-Large
University: Gallaudet University
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am a nontraditional student with a background in business and management. From my experiences, I’ve realized the market value of a single interaction, or “customer lifetime value.” In whatever capacity I end up in our field, I know that I will carry this skill on my sleeve. My interests in audiology include aural (re)habilitation, hearing aid technology, and working with adult populations. My goal would be to ultimately utilize the skills I’ve built from my past career path and add that with the passion I have found in audiology to work for a hearing aid manufacturer or healthcare system.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Hard-working, empathetic, inquisitive.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
I have been dedicated to my new fitness journey since 2020. It has allowed me to breathe in new life to my passions as well as into my relationships. As a Gallaudet student, I have yearned to engage in the Deaf community, so it has been wonderful to have the Gally life back on campus! It’s wonderful to be able to go to Deaf events and just sign!
I also love to cook. Aromas of the great-smelling kitchen have always surrounded me in my mom’s and grandma’s houses. I try to emulate that and bring that home-cooked meal when I can.
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Janna Hines Orr
Candidacy: President-Elect and Member-at-Large
University: Washington University School of Medicine
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am interested in pediatric cochlear implants and research. My professional goals are to become a pediatric audiologist who participates in clinical research. I am interested in advancing the field of audiology through our everyday findings with our patients and continuously seek solutions to evolving problems. There is still so much unknown about the ears and the hearing devices that we provide. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute in such a capacity and continue learning and exploring throughout my career.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Intuitive, humorous, authentic.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
Outside of audiology, I like to read and binge-watch different horror and suspenseful TV shows. I also enjoy trying different cooking and baking recipes, and I am brushing up on my Spanish.
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Member-at-Large Candidates
Melissa Baker
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: Long Island Doctor of Audiology Consortium
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
My interests in audiology include hearing aid technology and research. My goals include working for a hearing aid manufacturer as a clinical audiologist or research audiologist, conducting audiological research at a laboratory that focuses on speech processing and ultimately returning to pursue a PhD in audiology.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Resilient, insightful, caring
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
I enjoy photography, eating good food and making playlists for long car rides with friends.
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Morgan Stewart
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: Central Michigan University
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am interested in treating patients across the lifespan in the areas of cochlear implants and vestibular testing. I am interested in beginning my career within a medical-based setting, such as a hospital, neuro-otology clinic, or ENT clinic with a long-term goal of supervising AuD students within a university clinic.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Selfless, personable, approachable.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
Given that I live in Michigan, where we truly experience all four seasons, my interests and hobbies are VERY season specific. I spend most of my spring, summer, and early fall outside either hiking or on the water in my paddleboard! As soon as the snow flies, I enter “hibernation” and I am inside with a cup of hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and my cat watching a variety of movies.
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Abby Simon
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: Ohio State University
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am interested in working primarily with the adult population in a research hospital setting, both providing clinical care and being actively involved in research projects. Clinically, I am most interested in hearing aids, tinnitus management, and ototoxic monitoring. I am also very interested in what I perceive as an ethical dilemma regarding technology levels and respective pricing. I want to gain a better understanding of what different levels offer for patients and hearing loss configurations and if higher technology truly improves performance in different settings. I am currently working on a capstone project comparing objective and subjective data for older adults blindly using over-the-counter devices, basic technology hearing aids, and advanced technology hearing aids. Professionally, I am motivated to continue researching and pushing for expanded tinnitus management programs. These goals lead to my overarching goal of creating a more equitable field of audiology wherein patients receive appropriate support and are prepared to make informed decisions based on the best evidence-based practice.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Diligent, compassionate, dependable.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
Physical exercise is often my release from the daily grind; I enjoy hot yoga and running. I do a co-op program at a local yoga studio and participate in classes at least a few times per week. I started consistently running during the COVID-19 lockdown and successfully completed my first half marathon this past August. I’m now training for a faster half marathon time and hoping to do an olympic triathlon next spring. I have a weird obsession with couponing and finding deals. I love the thrill of finding a good deal and sharing it with my friends. I also enjoy exploring the Columbus, Ohio area and finding new activities to try with others. I enjoy reading non-fiction books for fun, especially in the psychology realm.
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Mandy Star
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: Ball State Audiology Program
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am interested in traumatic brain injuries, vestibular audiology, and working with the military population. Professionally, I hope to work for a VA hospital or in vestibular audiology in the future.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Sincere, understanding, resilient.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
I love to read or listen to books, do puzzles, and go on walks or runs.
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Chloe Gratzek
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: UNC Chapel Hill
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
While I am still exploring different areas of audiology, I am interested in pediatric audiology. I hope to work in a tertiary medical center with interdisciplinary medical teams to better children and their families.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Eager, positive, excited!
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
I love spending time outdoors! I went on a 5-day canoe trip in the boundary waters of northern Minnesota last year, I am planning a longer trip this summer!
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Marjorie Meyer
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: University of the Pacific
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am very interested in pediatric vestibular audiology. I hope to work in a fast-paced hospital in the future where I can help parents navigate the diagnosis and treatment of their child’s hearing loss, whether that’s with ASL, amplification, or anything in between. I also want to work with fellow audiologists in creating the normative values for vestibular assessment in pediatric patients.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Supportive, empathetic, friendly.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
I love to explore the city around me, hike and take pictures. On a slower night, I like to paint or craft while watching a good romantic-comedy. I try to stay busy, and have a work/life balance outside of school.
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Kelly Schroeder
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: Ohio State University
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
My interest lies in advocacy and accessibility. I have an educational background in political science and extensive experience working with individuals with varying disabilities. These experiences have helped to shape my interests in audiology. Professionally, I would like to work in an interdisciplinary setting to help diagnose and support individuals with hearing loss who have co-occurring disabilities. I am also passionate about access to hearing health services and hope to advocate for our profession and our patients.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Empathetic, adaptable, inclusive.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
In my free time I like to bake, read, watch Food Network, and hang out with my cats.
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Mallory Salmon
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: Ball State University
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
My interests include cochlear implants and vestibular assessment and management. My professional goals include specializing in either cochlear implants or vestibular assessment/management and working in a large hospital setting.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Easy-going, dependable, insightful.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
Cycling, yoga, and dogs!
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Kylie DeLaney
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: A.T. Still University
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am interested in everything in audiology! It is such a broad profession, and I can’t get myself to pinpoint one area that I am most drawn to because I want to try everything. I think that’s why I am drawn to the profession in general, because there are so many avenues to be explored. Right now, my goal is to get as much experience in as many audiology specialties as I can. I do have a feeling that I will end up in private practice one day because I love the personal connections you can build with patients in such a setting; but before I can settle down to just one thing, I want to expose myself to as much as possible.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Driven, intelligent, passionate.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
I like to do anything outdoors; hiking, gardening, camping, off-roading, traveling to new places. I also like to spend time with my loved ones and my cat.
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Sarah Crow
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: UT Dallas
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am interested in the quality of life of children with hearing loss, especially those with other exceptionalities. My professional goals include becoming a professor and leader in our field. I hope to begin my leadership experience in our field by serving on this board.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
“Class TA”, kind, overachiever.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
I love to cook, bake, read, and of course, watch Netflix. I also love spending time with people. Whether trying new restaurants, going on spontaneous adventures, or staying in, I love making new friends and spending quality time with those most important to me.
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Elizabeth Rivera Rosario
Candidacy: Member-at-Large
University: University of Buffalo
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
What are your specific interests in audiology? What are your professional goals related to these interests?
I am mostly interested in the genetics of hearing loss. As a goal, I hope to obtain a PhD in science to conduct research in this area.
If your classmates or colleagues were to list 3 words to describe you, what would they be?
Enthusiastic, smart, warm-hearted.
What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of audiology?
Reading and walking in the park
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