SAA Committee Member Spotlight: Stephanie Berry

Name: Stephanie Berry
University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Year in Program: Second Year
Committee: Development Committee

Why did you decide to become an SAA committee volunteer?
I wanted to be able to connect with students from different universities across the country! The first year I volunteered I was in undergrad and it was a really great chance to learn more about audiology, especially coming from an undergrad that didn’t have a major in Communication Sciences. I worked on projects that helped others apply to audiology graduate programs. I have loved being on more committees since then and learning more about national initiatives in audiology! It’s really valuable to be involved beyond my own AuD program or state, especially as a student, because we’ll all be working together and helping to shape the future of audiology soon.

What do your responsibilities within your committee include?
I’m serving as a leader for our Special Olympics and SAA Subcommittee. We are working to open more collaboration between both groups. Right now, this work has included a Special Olympics representative speaking at AAA 2019, sharing opportunities for research between audiology students and Special Olympics Healthy Hearing data, and promoting stories of SAA chapters that are already great partners with Special Olympics!

Within the field of audiology, what are your primary interests?
I’m interested in working with the pediatric population! I’d love to do more with those that have multiple special healthcare needs, the birth to three population, initial diagnosis, and early intervention.