National SAA Past President Interview: Laura Chenier

Celebrating 15 Years of National SAA!

Over the past decade and a half, the national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) has accomplished so much as an organization, building a strong foundation for the future of the audiology profession. The success and growth of national SAA is contributed largely in part to the vision and leadership of its past presidents. To honor and reflect on their hard work, the national SAA communications committee conducted an interview series with several national SAA past presidents.

Our next interview is with Laura Chenier (she/her) who earned her AuD at Arizona State University. Dr. Chenier served as national SAA president between 2014-2015.

Why did you originally join the national SAA?

I’ve always enjoyed leadership positions, particularly those that may help contribute to improvements in areas that I have an interest or passion in.

How long did you serve on the national SAA Board of Directors or as a volunteer for national SAA?

For 3 years.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from being a member of national SAA?

To be independent and self-driven in my career.

What is your favorite memory from your term as national SAA President?

I particularly remember the first Academy Board of Directors Meeting I attended as president of the SAA. I sat down at dinner with the board and found myself sitting next to several individuals who had significantly impacted the field of audiology with their research, education, and clinical practice approaches. It was a memorable experience to meet with these individuals and understand more of where my career could go.

Where are you working now?

Of course! After working clinically and in industry for the past eight years, I am now working for a start-up that utilizes robotic technology for cochlear implantation (iotaMotion, Inc). The previous experience in surgical/clinical support and clinical research at Cochlear as well as a brief time working in orthopedics with Zimmer Biomet has given me a strong background not only in audiology but additionally in project management and FDA clinical trials. This position is helping me to leverage a wide variety of skills and be challenged in an exciting new area of our field.

In what ways did being involved in national SAA influence your career?

I’ve had excellent opportunities for networking for career positions and have developed long-term relationships for mentorship and peer-to-peer consultation.

Are you currently involved with the American Academy of Audiology?

No.

What’s one piece of advice you would like to share with current SAA members?

Be open to where your skills may lead you.

This interview was completed by Eliana Dachman, a third-year audiology student at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York, NY. Eliana is a member of the SAA Communication Committee.