Why did you choose to go to Trinidad and

Tobago during your sabbatical? I had the privilege to comprise a delegation of speech

-language pathology professionals who traveled to

Vietnam and Cambodia in September of 2009 to

observe and discuss speech-language and hearing

service delivery in these countries. Led by past-

ASHA president Alex Johnson and organized by the

People to People Ambassadors Program, I had the

opportunity to visit a number of professional and

cultural program sites. One of our professional visits

took place with the faculty of the Special Education

Department at the National College of Education in

Ho Chi Minh City. The faculty were looking to

develop a curriculum and training program for speech

-language therapy and they wanted help with creating a new college degree track in the discipline. I came

back the US excited to collaborate with my Vietnamese colleagues on developing an undergraduate

curriculum. Over many months, we worked back and forth on shaping the curriculum, but the language

barrier was daunting. Everything I sent to them had to be translated into Vietnamese and the time lag in

our communications increased. I decided to apply for a sabbatical in the hopes of being able to travel

back to Vietnam and help them out from a shorter distance.

My sabbatical was approved but the communication with members of the Special Education faculty

became very sporadic. The only speech-language pathologist in Vietnam, who was also the Vice Dean of

the Faculty of Special Education, had left Vietnam to work on her doctorate. Without her leadership,

there was no longer a push for the curriculum. Around the same time, I received an email

announcement of a Fulbright Teaching Scholar opportunity in Trinidad and Tobago at the University of

the West Indies. Specifically, the State Department was looking to fund a nine-month appointment to

the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics to help them launch a master’s program in speech-

language pathology. Given that I had been awarded a sabbatical year, was looking for an opportunity to

advocate for global service outreach in the discipline, and had 10 years of experience coordinating a

graduate speech-language pathology program, I decided to apply. I was fortunate to receive the

appointment.

What parts of their culture surprised you? What parts did not? Trinidad and Tobago’s colonial history is reflected in the ethnic, religious, linguistic, and cultural diversity

of its people. With a population of just over 1,300,000 people, the two largest ethnic groups of this

English-speaking country consist of persons of East Indian (40%) and African (37.5%) descents, followed

by those of mixed heritage (20.5%). There were lots of aspects of their culture that surprised me. One

thing I never got used to was the amount of litter. I have been to several poor countries where people

live a hardscrabble existence, with no utilities or public services, but in Trinidad, the extent of the litter

spoke of a disregard for the environment. Beautiful beaches were spoiled by the amount of human

detritus that washed up from the ocean to join the carelessly discarded waste from picnics and

inadvertent dumps. Another aspect of the culture that surprised me was the “compound” mentality.

Walls that reached above your head surrounded all the houses and apartments, and these were topped

Dr. Molrine Teaches Abroad

Fall 2013 Volume 5, Issue 1

Cochlear Connection

Inside this issue:

Dr. Molrine’s

Sabbatical

Experience

1

Program

Director's Corner

2

NSSLHA Chapter

Update

3

ASHA

Convention 2013

4

Department Gift 5

New Faculty 6

2013 Scholarship

Recipients

7

Opportunity for

Alumni to give back

8

Dr. Molrine with her students

Editor: Elizabeth Marra

A Newsletter of the Speech-Language Pathology Program

with spikes or glass shards over which barbed or concertina wire was extended to discourage entry. All the compounds had locked

gates with remote entry. All the doors and the grates on the doors were locked. Even the faculty woman’s restroom in my

department was locked. Everyone drove (at great speeds with little regard for traffic conventions and signage) in their locked cars

out of their locked compounds into parking lots staffed with armed guards to their locked offices. I got a sense of what it must be

like to be a caged animal in a zoo. I later learned that all this “protection” was necessary to have some semblance of assurance that

you or your property would not be violated in some way. One aspect of the

culture that did not surprise me was the collegiality of the faculty and students.

Once on campus, I felt the same sense of belonging I feel here--the human

connection sparked by a shared interest in new learning and discovery. That

same collegiality extended to the small group of in-country speech-language pathologists (SLP). I registered as an SLP while in the country and participated in

their Speech Language Audiology Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SLAATT)

meetings and activities.

What kinds of classes did you teach? I taught a 6-credit Anatomy & Physiology class that spanned the academic year.

This course is one of the courses required for the two-year Certificate in

Speech-Language Pathology or the Speech-Language Pathology minor in the

broader Linguistics curriculum. In the Spring semester of 2013, I taught a

graduate course entitled Neural Bases of Communication Disorders. Four

students who were pursuing a master’s degree in Linguistics took the course

as an elective course requirement. Most of the work that I undertook for the

Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics was administrative. The purpose of my Fulbright appointment was to help them

administratively to launch the first MA SLP program in the Caribbean.

What experiences did you take from your sabbatical that impact your view of education now? Do you incorporate

them in your classes at Edinboro?

I am grateful for our educational system and the rigor with which we grade our students and the accountability we expect. My A &

P class was scheduled from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Students would begin drifting in between 4:00 and 4:30, even though I would start the

class at 4:00. One student was taking pilot lessons at the same time the class was scheduled, so he would arrive an hour late, and

then leave after an hour. I had to learn to accept “island” time. The students who were serious were very good students, and I am

hopeful that the MA SLP program that accepted its first cohort this fall will be successful in educating competent SLPs to expand

service delivery in the country. I keep in close touch with my Trini colleagues to provide ongoing support!

Page 2 Cochlear Connection

Dr. Molrine with SLAATT members

One of the challenges of adjusting to

change is finding ways to retain important

elements of our past traditions and

values. Our program has certainly

undergone many significant changes over

the past few years. We became an

independent department in the College of

Science and Health Professions, moved

into a new building located in the heart of

the campus, and the graduate program

was re-accredited earlier this year. Even

the campus looks strikingly different than

it did just a few years ago. We also

welcomed three new faculty members to

our department this year. You can read

more about them in this newsletter, but

I’m excited about the experiences,

expertise, and perspectives that each

brings to Edinboro University.

Despite these significant changes, our

mission, objectives, and expectations for

graduate education remain very similar to

what it was 40 years ago when the

program was first established and Sal

DeMarco and Bonnie Rose became its

inaugural graduates in 1975. Believing that

a small, state college with limited

resources could create a professional

graduate program and deliver outcomes

comparable to other nationally recognized

programs, took vision, courage, and

dedication. The current generation of Edinboro

University faculty and students have

inherited a rich tradition of becoming

the very best version of themselves and

then using that to improve the lives of others. Becoming a speech-language

pathologist is rewarding work, but there

are no shortcuts to acquiring the

knowledge and skills needed to practice

independently and competently. Our

building is busy most hours of the day

and evening with classes, clinics,

meetings, and study groups and our

most recent outcomes include 100%

pass rates on the national examination

and 100% employment rates. Some

things never change.

Dr. Roy Shinn

Program Director

Program Director’s Corner

Our club’s mission is to support students academically, socially, and emotionally as well as to

provide opportunities for professional and personal development. Both within Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, as well as the surrounding communities, the Speech and Hearing

Department is well renowned for our astute standard of higher education alongside our efforts to give back. Although there are many charitable and community events to come, throughout

the fall 2013 semester, our club has been busy with the following

endeavors: 1. Participating in the 2013 Memory Walk in Erie to combat

Alzheimer’s disease

2. Participating in the 2013 Autism Walk in Erie

3. Attending the 2013 PSHA Convention and we had several

students who did poster presentations

4. Inviting local professionals to speak during our “Pizza and

Professional” nights

5. Participating in annual EUP community service projects

6. Fundraising for some of our platform charities, such as the

ASHA foundation and Smile Train

7. Attending the 2013 ASHA Convention in Chicago

8. Participating in the University College Bowl

The graduate program here at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

is not only strong in a sense of educational standards, but we are

further committed to providing unwavering support to our clients,

their families, and to our outreaching communities. Our graduate

students are exceedingly dedicated to our studies and clinical work

as beginning clinicians. Despite our busy schedules, we are always

looking for more ways to give back to the community by providing

support, hope, and smiles to those in need. For those who are

natural caregivers, this notion is easy to resonate with. No matter

how busy our day, there is always time enough to give back for

that is what makes it all worthwhile. With the framework of an

incredibly encouraging faculty, our department’s graduate students go above and beyond, achieve

success, and turn goals and dreams into reality. We strive to be our best selves, for the good of

our profession, but even more so for our clients.

Casey R. Grimm

Edinboro Graduate Student & NSSLHA Chapter President

NSSLHA Chapter Update

Page 3

“The graduate

program here at

Edinboro University

of Pennsylvania is not

only strong in a sense

of educational

standards, but we are

further committed to

providing unwavering

support to our

clients, their families,

and to our

outreaching

communities.”

-Casey Grimm

Volume 5, Issue 1

This year, the annual America Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) convention was in Chicago, Illinois. The ASHA convention is a good

way for students to meet and connect with other professionals in the field. The speech-language pathology graduate students are very thankful

for the financial support of Graduate Professional Development Program (GPDP), which allowed students the opportunity to attend the

convention at a lower cost.

How did you handle the financial logistics of the trip?

Overall, the cost of the trip with travel expenses, hotel costs, food, and conference registration was about

$700. Luckily, with the help of GPDP funds, about $580 of my trip was reimbursed. Without the financial

support of GPDP, I would not have been able to afford going to the ASHA conference and have such a great

learning experience.

-Angela Capra, MASLP Student

What was the best part of the ASHA convention for you?

My favorite session was titled “The Voice Grand Rounds.” It was really cool to integrate what we learned in

the classroom and apply it to situations out of the classroom. Even though a lot of sessions went over my

head, I felt like I was learning a lot and can relate it to the classroom and future therapy.

- Kayla Wilson, MASLP Student

Are you glad you attended the ASHA convention?

Going to ASHA was an amazing experience. I had no idea what to expect, but it was nothing like I imagined.

Thousands of people who share the same passion gather together to share their experiences and gain more

knowledge. I was able to talk to to people who have been in the field for years and they explained how it

has changed over the years, which was so interesting to hear. Four days was not enough to soak up all the

information, but I can honestly say I learned so much. This was an experience I will never forget and I am

already looking forward to next year!

-Lauren Marucci, MASLP student

What advice would you give to someone who has never been to ASHA about how to make the most

of the convention? Make sure you look at the planner ahead of time so you have an idea of a few seminars you would want to go to in case one is full so

you have a back up plan. Also schedule yourself time to get to the room because it can be a long walk, and remember to pack

healthy filling snacks the food can be expensive and it can be a long day until dinnertime!

-Kaiti Lawrence, MASLP Student

ASHA Convention 2013

“Thousands of

people who share

the same passion

gather together

to share their

experiences and

gain more

knowledge.”

-Lauren Marucci

Page 4 Cochlear Connection

NSSLHA Attendance Award @ ASHA 2012

There were many benefits to taking

the Megabus. Megan Lund, a first-

year graduate student said, “Price

was a large determining factor on

my choice to take the bus. The

luggage was free to take on the bus,

unlike flying. It was nice to ride with

a lot of my classmates that I don’t

normally see outside of class. It was

comforting to not have to worry

about navigating and driving to

Chicago.”

Natalie Smith, a first-year graduate

student, said, “I would ride it again.

It’s nice that it is so cheap and that

you don’t have to worry about

driving. It was really windy driving

home, so that was kind of scary,

but I didn’t mind the ride at

all.”

Although there are many

benefits to taking the

Megabus, Brittany Komora,

a first-year graduate

student, highlighted some

disadvantages to taking this

bus. “The bus was really

crowded and there isn’t one

that leaves from Erie and goes

directly to Chicago. We had to

To keep conference costs low, many

speech and hearing students

chose the mega bus as

their mode of

transportation. The Megabus is a low

cos t expre s s

service that has

m a n y r ou t e s

throughout the

United States.

Tickets can be as

low as a few dollars

and most buses are

equipped with Wi-Fi

and outlets for electronics.

drive to a stop and Cleveland to take it

to Chicago, which meant we had to

worry about parking. I would

recommend buying two seats if you

can so you can have more room to

yourself. The Wi-Fi isn’t guaranteed

either and I was hoping to do

homework.”

All the students that took the Megabus

can agree that it was a cost efficient

and easy way to get to Chicago, Illinois

for the convention.

Page 5 Volume 5, Issue 1

First Year Graduate Students Ride the Megabus

(L-R) Lauren Marucci, Angela Capra, Laura

Gregory, and Kayla Wilson

Department Gift

Thank you to the MASLP class of 2013

for presenting the Speech, Language,

and Hearing department with a canvas

gift. The canvas has a picture of a

bridge, with the words “Speech-

Language Pathology: Bridging the

Communication Gap,” and can be seen

as you enter the department.

100% of Edinboro

graduates from the

last three years

(2011-13) passed

t he i r na t i o n a l

examination in

speec h - l a ng uage

pathology.

FACTOID “Price was

a large

determining factor

on my choice to

take the bus.”

-Megan Lund

Dr. Krival became interested in speech-

language pathology after majoring in

psychology during her undergraduate

studies. Her mother is a PhD in speech-

language pathology and she

also has an uncle who was a

speech-language pathologist.

Dr. Krival enjoyed

neuroscience and decided to

pursue a master’s degree and

eventually a PhD in speech-

language pathology. Dr. Krival enjoys the

clinical training that Edinboro

has, as well as the faculty.

“Working among people that

have so much expertise in

teaching and clinical work is a

lot of fun. Everyone is very

hard working.” She likes that

class sizes are small and that

there is funding for graduate

students to attend

conferences. “Instead of

one or two students

having those experiences,

everyone can have that

experience which

influences everyone’s

thinking. I don’t want to

be the only expert in my

area you see.” When she isn’t

teaching, Dr. Krival likes

to be outdoors. She

enjoys being with her

dogs, kayaking, and hiking.

helped prepare her for the field

of speech-language pathology. When asked what

makes her most excited about

teaching at Edinboro, Dr.

Raupp replied, “One of the

aspects of the program that

struck me when I was

considering Edinboro was the

strength of the clinical training

of the graduate students.

Having the academic faculty be

directly involved in clinical

education, I believe, is ideal and

seems to be a way to ensure

that our diagnostic and

intervention choices reflect

best practices with respect to

current research.”

In her free time, Dr.

Raupp likes to spend time with

her husband, son, and

Dr. Raupp became interested in speech-

language pathology after watching her

grandmother’s best friend suffer from a

stroke and receive a diagnosis of aphasia.

She also witnessed her cousin’s daughter

begin to talk at the age of four. In both

of these instances, a speech-language

pathologist helped her loved ones gain

their ability to communicate. Her

undergraduate degree in linguistics

American bulldog. They

are enjoying getting to

know Pennsylvania

through festivals and local

attractions. They like to

read, cycle and run,

watch Apple TV, and

train in tae kwon do.

Dr. Catherine Krival, CCC-SLP

Dr. Skye Raupp, CCC-SLP

Page 6 Cochlear Connection

“One of the aspects

of the program that

struck me when I

was considering Ed-

inboro was the

strength of the clini-

cal training of the

graduate students.”

-Dr. Raupp

New Department Faculty

Dr. Biswas received a PhD in speech

and neural science after completing a

bachelor’s degree in mechanical

engineering and a master’s degree in

computer science. When asked how

he became interested in

the field of speech and

neural science, Dr. Biswas

stated, “Several years ago,

when I was about to

complete a master’s

degree in computer

science, I was looking for

a job as a computer

programmer. Dr. Steven

Barlow, one of the top

speech physiologists in the

nation was looking for an

expert in digital signal

processing or DSP and

selected me. He was

impressed by my

performance and I saw a

great new challenging

opportunity. While working

under Dr. Barlow, I was

directly involved in several

research projects in speech

and neural science. It was a

perfect setting for me to

pursue a PhD in speech and

neural science in the

following years.”

In his free time, Dr.

Biswas likes to exercise,

swim, bowl, dance socially,

golf, and play billiards. He

also likes to design, build,

and repair different kinds of

electronic and computer

based instruments.

Dr. Amitava Biswas

Page 7 Volume 5, Issue 1

L-R: Natalie Smith, Chantal Haase, Kim Hilderbrandt,

Angela Capra, Kim Kerstetter, Elizabeth Marra

At the October Alumni Conference

luncheon, scholarships were awarded to

several SLP graduate students. First year

students receiving awards included Elizabeth

Marra (Glenshaw, PA, California U.),

the $500 Brock Tropea Citizenship Award ,

Angela Capra (Allegany, NY, Edinboro U),

the $500 Dennis Ranalli Award, and Natalie

Smith (Johnstown, PA, Edinboro U), the $600

Dr. Frank Johnson Scholarship. Second year

students were Chantal Haase (Conneaut

Lake, PA, Edinboro U), the $400 Dr. Richard

Forcucci Scholarship, Kim Hilderbrandt

(Grove City, PA, Roger Williams U), the

$500 Dr. Randy Rodak Award, and Kim

Kerstetter (Austintown, OH, Messiah

College), the $600 Dr. Frank Johnson

Scholarship. The awards were presented by

Grace Johnson, granddaughter of Dr. Frank

Johnson. The Department is grateful for the

very generous support of these scholarships

from the family of Dr. Frank Johnson, Dr.

David Potoker, Dr. Richard Forcucci, Dr.

Char Molrine, Hal Blount, Dennis Ranalli, and

many alumni and friends of the program.

2013 Alumni Conference Scholarship Winners

Governor George Leader Speech and Hearing Center

215 Scotland Road

Edinboro, PA 16444

Phone: 814-732-2433

Fax: 814-732-2612

Page 8 Cochlear Connection

Giving Back

A belief in the importance of an Edinboro graduate education in Speech-Language Pathology

through support of current students or clients is an extraordinary act of generosity. You can in-

crease the funds available in an existing scholarship or establish a new award. As alumni, you are

important players in the continued success of our students -- your gift will help current students

complete their degree successfully. You can become a benefactor of our program’s legacy by

providing a gift to support student or client scholarships.

☐ Dr. Frank Johnson Scholarship (1st and 2nd year graduate students eligible)

☐ Dr. Richard Forcucci Scholarship (2nd year graduate student)

☐ Brock Tropea Award (for students with exceptional community service)

☐ Dennis Ranalli Award (merit award to 1st year graduate students)

☐ Dr. Randy Rodak Memorial Award (for 1st year graduate student)

☐ Client Assistance Fund (offsets costs for financially needy clients at the Gov. Leader Speech

& Hearing Center)

☐ Student Assistance Fund (assist financially needy students with clearances and other require-

ments for clinical practicum, or travel to a conference)

☐ Please designate my gift to a new fund for ___________________________________

Gifts can be made by:

☐ Check: University Advancement, 210 Meadville St., Edinboro, PA 16444

☐ Online: http://www.edinboro.edu/departments/development/gift.dot (specify Other Event

and describe)

☐ Credit card: ☐ Visa ☐ MC ☐ AmEx ☐ Discover

☐ Amount: ________ ☐ Annually ☐ One-time

Name______________________________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________________________

City __________________________________ State_____________ Zip__________

Home Phone ____________________________ Cell Phone____________________

e-mail address________________________________________________________