2025-26 Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Scholarship Review
Baylor University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty have continued to shine as leaders in their field. In 2025-26, faculty advanced scholarship through publishing, presenting, and research.
Grant Awards
| Petersen, Douglas | Examining the Effects of Explicit, Systematic Tier-2 Oral Language and Word Recognition Intervention funded by the Albany County School District, $77,000. Role: principal investigator. |
Peer-Reviewed and Professional Publications
International Presentations
| Garcia, Melissa | Garcia, M.P. (August 2025). Evidence Based Instructional and Clinical Practice in Online Graduate Programs. World Congress of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders. St. Julian’s, Malta. Garcia, M.P. (August 2025). The Impact of a Belize Mission Trip on CSD Graduate Students. World Congress of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders. St. Julian’s, Malta. Garcia, M.P. (July 2026). Exploring the Use of AI in Enhancing Bilingual Aphasia Caregiver Support Groups. Tel Aviv University Conference. Tel Aviv, Israel. Garcia, M.P. (July 2026). Enhancing Bilingual Aphasia Support with AI. Tel Aviv University Conference. Tel Aviv, Israel. |
| Petersen, Douglas | Petersen, D.B. and Spencer, T.D. (August 2025). A Roadmap for Language and Literacy Success: Screen Early, Teach Explicitly, and Monitor Progress. Part 1: Get on the Right Track by Measuring What Matters. Learning Difficulties Australia. Petersen, D.B., Stonier, E., and Lettich, C. (April 2026). The Story Champs Approach: Curriculum, Multi-Tiered Intervention, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Government of South Australia Department of Education. Perth, Australia. Petersen, D.B., Lettich, C., and Stonier, E. (April 2026). Identifying DLD, Dyslexia, Universal Screening, and Progress Monitoring: Revolutionizing Language Assessment in Schools. Let's Grow Together Australia. Perth, Australia. Petersen, D.B., Lettich, C., and Stonier, E. (April 2026). Curriculum Alignment for Language. Interprofessional Workshop for the Sydney Catholic Schools. Sydney, Australia. Petersen, D.B., Stonier, E., Jones, K., and Lettich, C. (April 2026). The Story Champs Approach: Curriculum, Multi-Tiered Intervention, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Government of South Australia Department of Education. Adelaide, Australia. Petersen, D.B., Lettich, C., Jones, K., and Stonier, E. (April 2026). Revolutionizing Language Assessment in Schools: Identifying DLD, Dyslexia, Universal Screening, and Progress Monitoring. Government of South Australia Department of Education. Adelaide, Australia. Petersen, D.B. and Lettich, C. (June 2026). Evaluating a Screener for Word Recognition and Language Comprehension for Academically Struggling High School Students. Speech Pathology Australia National Conference. Gold Coast, Australia. Lettich, C. and Petersen, D.B. (June 2026). Short Lessons, Big Impact: Boosting Language Comprehension in Classrooms Using Speech-Language Research Insights. Speech Pathology Australia National Conference. Gold Coast, Australia. Petersen, D.B., Lettich, C., and Ladd, C. (June 2026). The Story Champs Approach: Curriculum, Multi-Tiered Intervention, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Let’s Grow Together Australia. Gold Coast, Australia. |
Domestic Presentations
| Blanchet, Paul | Blanchet, P. (October 2025). Finding Our Voice: Understanding Stuttering. Baylor University’s National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. Waco. Franks, C. and Blanchet, P. (February 2026). The Effects of Disclosure on University Students’ Perceptions of a Person with Aphasia. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Franks, C. and Blanchet, P. (February 2026). Effects of Using Personally Relevant Stimuli on Picture Naming in a Person with Non-Fluent Aphasia. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. |
| Dao, Kelcie | Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (November 2025). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Camp Success - an Intensive Four-Week Multi-Linguistic Intervention Approach for School-Aged Children, a Look to the Future. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Literacy Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder Using Structured Word Inquiry. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Word Investigations: The Not-So-Curious Case of English Spelling. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Using fNIRS to Determine Intervention Success in Word Reading with Morphological Affixes. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Dvorak, S., Dao, K., Dolezel, K. (April 2026). TikTalking About Clinical Education: How to Leverage Social Media-Formatted Reels for Graduate Education. Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Convention. Denver, Colorado. |
| Davis, K. (November 2025). Blending Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning: A Framework for Teaching Cultural Responsiveness. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (November 2025). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Camp Success - an Intensive Four-Week Multi-Linguistic Intervention Approach for School-Aged Children, a Look to the Future. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Davis, K. (February 2026). Underlying Factors in Book Selection During Speech Therapy Sessions: A Mixed-Methods Study. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Literacy Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder Using Structured Word Inquiry. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Word Investigations: The Not-So-Curious Case of English Spelling. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Using fNIRS to Determine Intervention Success in Word Reading with Morphological Affixes. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ogodo, J., Moos, K., Davis, K. (April 2026). Mentoring Emerging Researchers on Developing Conceptual Framework for Scholarly Inquiry. American Educational Research Association. Los Angeles, California. |
| Dolezel, Kacie | Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (November 2025). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Camp Success - an Intensive Four-Week Multi-Linguistic Intervention Approach for School-Aged Children, a Look to the Future. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Literacy Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder Using Structured Word Inquiry. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Word Investigations: The Not-So-Curious Case of English Spelling. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Using fNIRS to Determine Intervention Success in Word Reading with Morphological Affixes. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Dvorak, S., Dao, K., Dolezel, K. (April 2026). TikTalking About Clinical Education: How to Leverage Social Media-Formatted Reels for Graduate Education. Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Convention. Denver, Colorado. |
| Drew, Carrie | Drew, C., and Soto, K. (May 2025). The Critical Role of Monitoring Hearing in Young Autistic Children. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Austin, Texas. |
| Dvorak, Samantha | Dvorak, S., Dao, K., Dolezel, K. (April 2026). TikTalking About Clinical Education: How to Leverage Social Media-Formatted Reels for Graduate Education. Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Convention. Denver, Colorado. |
| Garcia, Melissa | Garcia, M.P. and Nowack, D. (October 2025). Using Self-Reflection to Support the Anxious Graduate Student in an Online Program. Southeastern University Clinical Educators Conference. Auburn, Alabama. Garcia, M.P. and Dahl, E. (November 2025). Envisioning Possibilities: How Studying Abroad Shapes CSD Graduate Students. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Nowack, D. and Garcia, M.P. (February 2026). Using Self-Reflection to Support the Anxious Graduate Student in an Online Program. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Garcia, M.P., Flores, J.B., Garza, K., Kelly, S., Laurel, D., and Longoria, L. (February 2026). TSHA Disability Determination Guidelines Companion for Articulation Disorders in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. |
| Kim, Daniel | Kim, D., Tjaden, K., Dietrich, M., Brown, A., and Mefferd, A. (September 2025). Dysarthria Subgroups in Talkers with Parkinson’s Disease: Free Classification Approach. Vanderbilt Neurology Research Symposium. Nashville, Tennessee. Kim, D., Tjaden, K., Dietrich, M., Brown, A., and Mefferd, A. (November 2025). Identifying Dysarthria Subgroups in Talkers with Parkinson’s Disease. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. |
| Loeb, Diane | Loeb, D. (November 2025). E-Books with Young Children in Shared Reading Contexts: A Scoping Review. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Ritter, M., Wright, S., and Loeb, D. (November 2025). Envisioning Intentional Timing and Rhythm Regimes to Improve Literacy Skills in Future Intervention Plans. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. |
| Longnecker, Diane | Longnecker, D. (February 2026). Upper Esophageal Sphincter: Understanding Anatomy, Physiology, Evaluation, and Intervention Options for the UES. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Longnecker, D. (February 2026). UES Function and Dysfunction Demystified. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Longnecker, D. (February 2026). Clinical Utility of High-Resolution Pharyngeal Manometry. TIMS Medical University Webinar Series. Anderson, J. and Longnecker, D. (March 2026). Comparing Evaluation of Upper Esophageal Sphincter Function Using Pharyngeal Manometry, Modified Barium Swallow Study and Esophageal Manometry. Dysphagia Research Society Conference. Aurora, Colorado. Longnecker, D., Armstrong, E., and Pickens, N. (March 2026). Theory-Guided Implementation of Instrumental Assessments for Oropharyngeal Swallowing: A Feasibility Study. Dysphagia Research Society Conference. Aurora, Colorado. Longnecker, D., Almazan, E., Hinojosa, O., Furuya, H., Rochester, T., Hammack, E., and Carnaby, G. (March 2026). Characterizing Responses to Penetration and Aspiration in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Stroke. Dysphagia Research Society Conference. Aurora, Colorado. |
| Moates, Steven | Moates, S. (October 2025). A River Run Through Us. Fly Fishing and Metaphors for Thriving with Stuttering. International Stuttering Awareness Day Online Conference. Moates, S. (November 2025). Advancing the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Strengthen Clinical Concepts in a Stuttering Course. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. |
| Nowack, D'Anna | Nowack, D., Mills, R., and Halverson, M. (September 2025). Life After Brain Injury: Navigating the Journey of Recovery with Resilience. Maine Brain Injury Association of America – Maine Chapter Conference. Portland, Maine. Garcia, M.P. and Nowack, D. (October 2025). Using Self-Reflection to Support the Anxious Graduate Student in an Online Program. Southeastern University Clinical Educators Conference. Auburn, Alabama. Nowack, D. and Garcia, M.P. (February 2026). Using Self-Reflection to Support the Anxious Graduate Student in an Online Program. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. |
| Park, Jungjun | Azizbeigiboukani, J. and Park, J. (November 2025). The Relation Between Verbal Fluency and Attention in Healthy Adults: An fNIRS Study. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Sturdivant, M. and Park, J. (November 2025). Investigating Brain Activation Patterns During Phonological Awareness Tasks in Healthy Young Adults Using fNIRS. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. |
| Parker, Jana | Parker, J., Murphy K., and Ritter, M. (November 2025). Literacy Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder Using Structured Word Inquiry. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (November 2025). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Camp Success - an Intensive Four-Week Multi-Linguistic Intervention Approach for School-Aged Children, a Look to the Future. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Parker, J. and Sammons, H. (February 2026). Pediatric School Communication. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Parker, J. and Sammons, H. (February 2026). Word Investigations: The Not-So-Curious Case of English Spelling. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Literacy Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder Using Structured Word Inquiry. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Word Investigations: The Not-So-Curious Case of English Spelling. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Using fNIRS to Determine Intervention Success in Word Reading with Morphological Affixes. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. |
| Perrine, Brittany | Prahl, A., Perrine, B.L., and Glison, C. (October 2025). “It’s Nice to Meet You”: Inclusive Peer Interactions Among College Students with and Without Disabilities. Division on Career Development and Transition International Conference. Denver, Colorado. Perrine, B.L. (May 2026). Relationship Between Self-Reported Voice Problems, Resilience, and Vulnerability in Adult Females. The Voice Foundation Symposium. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. |
| Petersen, Douglas | Petersen, D.B. (February 2026). Better Measures of Reading Comprehension Than ORF for MTSS Decisions. National Association of School Psychologists Conference. Petersen, D.B. (February 2026). The SLP and Dyslexia: Bridging Language, Assessment, and Intervention. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Petersen, D.B. (July 2026). Language is Everything: Rethinking Early Literacy and Screening. International MTSS Association Global Summit. San Francisco, California. Petersen, D.B. (August 2026). Language Comprehension is Reading Comprehension: The Tautology Hiding in the Simple View. Big Sky Literacy Summit. Petersen, D.B. and Spencer, T.D. (August 2025). Identifying Dyslexia and DLD – Universal Screening and Progress Monitoring: Having the Right Assessment Tools for Language Makes All the Difference. Big Sky Literacy Summit. Big Sky, Montana. Petersen, D.B., Konishi-Therkildsen, A. (October 2025). Language Matters: Supporting Language Through MTSS.Alaska Speech-Language Hearing Association. Anchorage, Alaska. Stout, G., Konishi-Therkildsen, A., Lettich, C., Hancock, N., Petersen, D.B., and Hogan, T. (November 2025). Examining Complex Academic Language in Children with Dyslexia. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Konishi-Therkildsen, A., Berezay, A., Stout, G., Lettich, C., Morrow Guerrero, A., and Petersen, D.B. (November 2025).Assessing Language Disorder in Adolescent Students Using Dynamic Assessment for Language: Investigating Validity and Reliability. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Petersen, D.B. (November 2025). Leading with Language. Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association Conference. Stillwater, Oklahoma. Petersen, D.B., Spencer, T.D., Kaiser, A., Hulme, C., Washington, J., and Thompson, D. (August 2025). Language Screening to Language Instruction. Big Sky Literacy Summit. Big Sky, Montana. |
| Ritter, Michaela | Parker, J., Murphy K., and Ritter, M. (November 2025). Literacy Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder Using Structured Word Inquiry. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Ritter, M., Wright, S., and Loeb, D. (November 2025). Envisioning Intentional Timing and Rhythm Regimes to Improve Literacy Skills in Future Intervention Plans. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (November 2025). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Camp Success - an Intensive Four-Week Multi-Linguistic Intervention Approach for School-Aged Children, a Look to the Future. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Literacy Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder Using Structured Word Inquiry. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Word Investigations: The Not-So-Curious Case of English Spelling. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Using fNIRS to Determine Intervention Success in Word Reading with Morphological Affixes. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. |
| Sammons, Hollie | Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (November 2025). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Camp Success - an Intensive Four-Week Multi-Linguistic Intervention Approach for School-Aged Children, a Look to the Future. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Parker, J. and Sammons, H. (February 2026). Pediatric School Communication. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Parker, J. and Sammons, H. (February 2026). Word Investigations: The Not-So-Curious Case of English Spelling. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Literacy Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder Using Structured Word Inquiry. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Word Investigations: The Not-So-Curious Case of English Spelling. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. Ritter, M., Wright, S., Parker, J., Sammons, H., Davis, K., Dao, K., and Dolezel, K. (February 2026). Camp Success Over the Years: A Proven Intensive Four-Week Language and Literacy Experience. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Fort Worth, Texas. |
| Soto, Kristle | Drew, C., and Soto, K. (May 2025). The Critical Role of Monitoring Hearing in Young Autistic Children. Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Austin, Texas. |
| Yoo, Hyunsoo | Yoo, H. (October 2025). Mapping Aphasia Profiles to AI and Human Treatment. Academy of Aphasia Meeting. San Diego, California. Yoo, H. (November 2025). Effects of tDCS on Processing Speed and Working Memory in Aphasia: A Preliminary Single-Case Report. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention. Washington, D.C. Yoo, H. (February 2026). Exploring the Role of AI in Restoring Prayer in Aphasia: A Case Study Proposal for Mild Aphasia. Baylor Symposium on Faith and Culture 2026. Waco. |
Travel Awards
| Dao, Kelcie | University Teaching Exploration Grant from Baylor University, $1,250, to present TikTalking about Clinical Education: How to Leverage Social Media-Formatted Reels for Graduate Education. |
| Dolezel, Kacie | University Teaching Exploration Grant from Baylor University, $1,250, to present TikTalking about Clinical Education: How to Leverage Social Media-Formatted Reels for Graduate Education. |
| Dvorak, Samantha | University Teaching Exploration Grant from Baylor University, $1,250, to present TikTalking about Clinical Education: How to Leverage Social Media-Formatted Reels for Graduate Education. |
| Kim, Daniel | Travel Grant from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, $1,500, to present Identifying Dysarthria Subgroups in Talkers with Parkingson’s Disease: Free Classification Approach. |