Representing SUNY Fredonia at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention were (from left) Declan Whitmore, Kaylee Guzman, Dr. Bridget Russell and Madison Winfield.
Communication Disorders and Sciences Department students presented original Parkinson’s disease research at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention.
Their projects focusing on cough strengthening techniques in individuals with Parkinson’s were presented in poster format at the ASHA convention held Nov. 29 in Washington, DC. The students and Associate Professor Bridget Russell, who directed the research and served as the students’ mentors, presented research posters.
Their posters — “Effects of Cough Strengthening Treatments on Vocal Health in Parkinson’s Disease” and “Effects of Cough Strengthening Techniques on Vocal Health and Incidental Lip Strengthening in Parkinson’s Disease” — highlighted findings from Dr. Russell’s two-year study that examined how targeted cough exercises may support vocal health.
This experience will stand out on their resumes and can be a strong talking point for graduate programs or clinical positions. This can also be a great opportunity to open students up to graduate research at a doctoral level.” - Dr. Bridget Russell
Two students participating in the research are SUNY Fredonia alumni currently enrolled in Speech-Language Pathology graduate programs, and include Kaylee Guzman, at SUNY Fredonia, of Derby, NY, and Diana D’Angelo, at Ithaca College, of Grangeville, NY. Ms. Guzman has a minor in School and Counseling Psychology, and Ms. D’Angelo, a minor in Psychology. Both received bachelor's degrees in Communication Disorders and Sciences earlier this year.
Two seniors — Declan Whitmore, of Victor, NY, and Madison Winfield, New Hartford, NY — in the Communication Disorders and Sciences program also served on the research team. Mr. Whitmore has a minor in Psychology, and Mr. Winfield is also majoring in Psychology.
Presenting at ASHA is a major highlight for students, according to Russell. It demonstrates initiative, advanced research skills and professional engagement at a national level.
“This experience will stand out on their resumes and can be a strong talking point for graduate programs or clinical positions. This can also be a great opportunity to open students up to graduate research at a doctoral level. Three of my past students are now working as professors and completed similar research projects,” Russell said.
Research involved collecting acoustic and pulmonary function data from participants with Parkinson’s disease as well as age-matched control groups. Measurements were taken before and after specialized cough-strengthening treatments to assess changes in vocal quality, respiratory support and related physiological parameters.
Students volunteered to participate in Russell's research and work in her lab. “This was not for course credit — they were simply interested in becoming more involved with research, and I integrated them into the project,” she said.
Russell noted that the students’ work contributes to growing interest in non-pharmacological, behavioral interventions that may improve communication and respiratory outcomes for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
The national ASHA convention is one of the largest professional development events for speech, language and hearing professionals. Students do not typically present at ASHA conventions.
Students received funding support from an Undergraduate Student Research Award sponsored by Donald Nelson Nasca through the Office of Student Creative Activity and Research (OSCAR).
