Why Do Research?

Apply your content knowledge.

Undergraduate research is one of the best tools for enhancing your academic experience in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. By participating in undergraduate research, you can gain valuable knowledge outside of the classroom experience. This knowledge base includes the development of problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and analytical skills.

Enhance your résumé.

The experiences gained from doing research can make the difference when you are applying to graduate programs in communication sciences and disorders.

Choose a specialty.

Undergraduate research experiences are designed to help students obtain research skills in an area of interest and to better understand methods and techniques involved in scholarly research. Many students find that it aids them in selecting their specific clinical specialty.

“I chose Dr. Park for my mentor after learning about the basics of swallowing in her Anatomy & Physiology course. The topic sparked an interest in me, and I wanted to learn more about dysphagia. Completing my independent study definitely allowed me to look further into an area of interest I had and gave me important clinical tools I need to be a future speech-language pathologist.”

-Kaylee Sienza, B.S. ’17, M.S. Class of ‘19