Research in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
Research in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
Faculty and students associated with Hofstra’s Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences are engaged in a number of high profile research projects. In addition to the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, located in the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center, the department houses several state-of-the-art research laboratories.
Undergraduate students have an opportunity to work with faculty on a variety of research projects in the department’s laboratories. Individual student research projects are often completed by enrolling in SPCH 150 (Independent study). Students with a GPA of 3.5 or better in their senior year of study may be invited to participate in the departmental honors program (SPCH 100). Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students design and implement an original research project. Honors projects require a written paper and an oral defense before a panel of faculty members. Undergraduate research projects completed in the department have been presented at conferences including the New York State Speech-Language Hearing Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and Colonial Academic Alliance conference.
Graduate students have the opportunity to work with faculty on research. Students have assisted faculty in various aspects of research including data collection, testing, and data analysis. All graduate students are introduced to the principles of research design in SPCH 207 (Research Methods), a course which serves as a catalyst for the development of student research projects. The department hosts an annual research seminar where outstanding student research is featured alongside professional guest speakers. In addition, projects initiated in this class have been presented at conferences given by the New York State Speech-Language Hearing Association and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Examples of faculty research interests include:
Professor Evelyn P. Altenberg focuses on language and language processing in individuals with a knowledge of more than one language.
Professor Ronald L. Bloom’s research focuses on describing the characteristics of discourse in individuals with aphasia and right hemisphere disorders. Presently Dr. Bloom is examining how narrative discourse recovers in individuals with aphasia in response to intervention. He is also examining written expression and reading in individuals with acquired brain damage.
Professor Jason H. Davidow studies speech production changes during fluency-inducing conditions. Dr. Davidow is also interested in, and has begun to research, treatment outcomes and the neurophysiology of stuttering.
Professor Carole Ferrand's research interests include acoustic aspects of normal and disordered speech production. She has also investigated fundamental frequency features in boys and girls prior to puberty.
Professor Doron Milstein, a 2008 Hofstra Teacher of the Year for Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, specializes in geriatric audiology.
Professor Levi A. Reiter is a pioneer in the study of the effects of ear suction (such as that created by a kiss) on auditory function. REKS (Reiter’s Ear Kiss Syndrome) has generated international media attention since Dr. Reiter first introduced his research to the media in the spring of 2008.
Professor Jenny Roberts' research focus is on the early identification and treatment of children at risk for oral language and reading impairments. She is also interested in the language development of internationally-adopted children.
Professor Kathleen A. Scott’s research focus is on the development of language and literacy skills in young children, particularly at-risk populations. Dr. Scott is also interested in the spoken and written language development of internationally adopted children.
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