Congratulations to these undergraduate students who recently received notable awards!
Reagan Quigley, an upcoming fourth year undergraduate, was awarded Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) funding for Summer 2026! URAP is a competitive funding and professional development opportunity through the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry (UR&CI) that funds approximately 45 students in any major or research area involved in an undergraduate research project over the summer semester. Reagan will work full-time with Dr. Jenny Lundine in the CABI Lab on several projects related to pediatric brain injury and cognitive-communication disorders.
Eliza Zweizig, graduating 4th year undergraduate, was awarded Outstanding Undergraduate Student at the Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association (OSLHA) conference. We are proud of Eliza's remarkable promise and dedication!
Thank you, Undergraduate Ambassadors!
The Speech and Hearing Science Ambassadors support our undergraduate advisor and faculty in a wide range of departmental activities. They welcome prospective students through department tours, represent the program at recruitment and campus events, and contribute to our social media outreach. Through their dedication and enthusiasm, they serve as outstanding representatives of our student body. Thank you, Ambassadors, for your part in promoting all of the special attributes the Speech and Hearing Science major has to offer:
Husna Akkaya, Pragalya Arumugam, Arianna Bagheri, Anna Beacher, Hannah Brady, Leah Brown, Lindsey Call, Gabi Censoprano, Ryann Clapham, Nora Davis, Sophia DiCillo, Sally Fedders, Jecki Heller, Megan Joy, Laurel Kennedy, Aubrey Kevelder, Addison Kuschel, Elizabeth Lee, Kendall Liffick, Molly Luca, Amelia Martin, Megan McPhee, Alexandra Men, Brianna Montgomery, Katie Mundy, Ella Niese, Natalie Norcia, Christina Norell, Emily Plageman, Chloe Plesner, Olivia Rieman, Josie Rimkus, Lana Schwartz, Alexis Shpunder, Katey Stephens, Bella Weatherbie, Alli Wilson, Marleigh Winterbottom, Halima Yusuf, Eliza Zweizig
A few Ambassadors have offered us the opportunity to learn more about them:
Arianna Bagheri
What do you like about Speech and Hearing Science?
Honestly, it's hard to find really anything that I don't like about Speech and Hearing Science. It is such a niche area of study, yet so diverse and widespread that you are constantly able to learn about something new. The people that I have met so far, from fellow students in classes to the staff/faculty in the department, have all been so nice and passionate about this field. As someone who came in undecided and on the pre-med track, when realizing pre-med was not the route for me, I wanted to find something where I could draw a connection between medical aspects and teaching aspects. This has been a great fit for me and I am so thankful to have found such an amazing major!
What advice or knowledge would you impart to prospective students?
It's okay to not know what your next 5 years are going to look like, or even your next two weeks! It seems like everyone has everything figured out, and you may feel like you are behind if you don't have everything under control. If there is one thing I have learned in my undergraduate career so far, it is that life isn't meant to be a straight path or what you expect. With that, I would also like to add the importance of seeking opportunities and pushing yourself to a stretch zone where you can grow from being in the scary unknown. Staying comfortable may seem like the only possible choice, but it is vital for your experiences as you grow into who you become to take risks and be uncomfortable at times.
Lindsey Call
What do you like about Speech and Hearing Science?
I absolutely adore how vast the field is. Whether you are a student or already a professional in the field, there’s so many opportunities for learning and exploration. It’s like being a sponge with an endless supply of water, there’s always something new to be absorbed!
What advice or knowledge would you impart to prospective students?
Allow yourself to explore, but don’t stretch yourself too thin. I think far too often students at the undergraduate level believe they must engage with every research opportunity, club event, and volunteer experience that comes their way. While being involved can be a good thing, it is best to pinpoint a handful of things you really love. It is the quality of experiences that enrich you, not the quantity of experiences you engage in.
Nora Davis
What do you like about Speech and Hearing Science?
One of the biggest reasons I chose to purse a degree in SHS is to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. However, the exciting thing about being an SLP, is that there are so many directions you can take in this profession. Going to tOSU has proven that each and every SHS student wants to specialize in something different following graduate school. This is a wonderful path to follow if you want to help people, but don't know how to do so yet.
What advice or knowledge would you impart to prospective students?
GET. INVOLVED. Whether this is inside or outside of the SHS department, the campus of tOSU is your oyster. There are so many ways to gain valuable skills outside of the classroom whether that be in research, a student organization, or an on-campus job. Working towards your degree, along with taking advantage of all there is that tOSU has to offer will benefit you as a Buckeye, and as a future professional.
Elizabeth Lee
What do you like about Speech and Hearing Science?
My favorite part about Speech and Hearing Science is how broad the field truly is. I think there can be a lot of misunderstandings about the services that speech-language-hearing professionals provide, when in reality the scope is incredibly wide. There are so many opportunities to grow and specialize, and the impact you make on people’s lives is so meaningful.
What advice or knowledge would you impart to prospective students?
My best advice to prospective students is to get involved on campus. It doesn’t have to be directly related to the major or take up all your time, just have fun with it. College goes by so quickly, and it's so important to make the most of it along the way. While you are building your resume, make sure you’re also enjoying the extracurriculars you choose to be part of.
Megan McPhee
What do you like about Speech and Hearing Science?
I really like the blend of science and human connection that Speech and Hearing Science provides. Since communication is something, we use and rely on every day, I love the impact this field has in helping individuals find their voice in whatever way works best for them. I also value how it gives us the opportunity to work with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences, making each interaction unique and meaningful.
What advice or knowledge would you impart to prospective students?
I would encourage all prospective students to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. Speech and Hearing Science is such a broad field and by getting involved early in different volunteer, observation, and club opportunities it can really help in finding your passions within the field. It is completely normal to not have everything figured out right away so stay curious, open-minded, and ask questions.
Lana Schwartz
What do you like about Speech and Hearing Science?
I came into college knowing I wanted to study Speech and Hearing, but I’ve loved discovering how broad the field is and all the different specializations. Lately, I’ve been really interested in how traumatic brain injuries impact speech. The department at Ohio State offers opportunities like the Aphasia Initiative experiential course, which gives hands-on experience, and there are also research labs and other ways to get involved as an undergrad. I love that there are so many ways to explore the field practically while still in school.
What advice or knowledge would you impart to prospective students?
Since the major is relatively small, you get to know your classmates really well because you often take the same courses. I’d highly recommend forming study groups, they’re great for exams and for reviewing material. I’m a second-year, and I’m still close with the group of students I started out with in my first semester, which has been really helpful both academically and socially.