Audiology Awareness Month 2024


Posted on October 15, 2024 by CAHP
CAHP


Group of Audiology Students data-lightbox='featured'
Lillie Ange, left, Emma Lovelady, center, Gina Mejia, right, and Alexandria Greene, not pictured, are all graduate students in the Doctor of Audiology program.

National Audiology Awareness Month is celebrated in October each year. It is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of good hearing health and hearing protection. The Doctor of Audiology program at the University of South Alabama prepares students for professional clinical audiology careers and certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 


In celebration of Audiology Awareness Month, we are highlighting four students from South’s Doctor of Audiology program. Let’s get to know Lillie Ange, Alexandria Greene, Emma Lovelady and Gina Mejia!


Lillie Ange Lillie Ange


Class Year:
“This gets complicated for me. When I was originally enrolled in only the Doctor of Audiology program, I was set to graduate in 2026. However, I have chosen to pursue the dual doctoral program so that I will earn my Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) and my Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). This new path will push my graduation to 2028.” 


Where are you from?
“I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, but now I call Houston, Texas, home.”


What was your undergraduate major?
“I majored in speech and hearing sciences, and I also double minored in psychology and gerontology.”


Why do you want to be an audiologist?
“As an audiologist I get to help patients feel empowered to take care of their hearing and balance healthcare. I love that I get to play a part in improving their quality of life. This profession is also the perfect blend of healthcare, technological advancements and patient interaction.”


What led you to choose South?
“When I first chose South seven years ago, I had the very cliche feeling that it was ‘home.’ When the time came for me to pick a school to attend for graduate school, what kept me at South was the relationships I had built over the last four years. I wanted to continue my education at an institution I love.”


What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“My experience at South has been equal parts rewarding, challenging and fun. I know that my time here has and will prepare me well for my future.”


What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“I like to spend my free time reading, cooking and spending time with my friends.” 


What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduation, I would like to be a professor and have a clinical supervisory role for future Doctor of Audiology students.”


What advice would you offer to future audiology students?
“Keep an open mind about the areas that interest you, find new ways to challenge your intellectual curiosity, and stay resilient.”


What is a fun fact about yourself?
“My roommates and I have fostered animals from the Mobile Animal Shelter for the last year!”

 

Alexandria Greene Alexandria Greene


Class Year: 
“2025”


Where are you from? 
“Birmingham, Alabama”


What was your undergraduate major? 
“Communication Sciences and Disorders”


Why do you want to be an audiologist? 
“I want to be an audiologist, specifically a vestibular audiologist, so I can help patients with dizziness. These individuals have a reduction in their quality of life and are desperate for answers. If they have a vestibular disorder, I enjoy treating them and helping them return to their daily activities. If they do not have a vestibular disorder, I enjoy guiding them in the right direction to hopefully reduce their symptoms earlier by recommending the correct next steps.”


What led you to choose South?
“I chose South due to its proximity to home (Birmingham) and its proximity to the beach. More specifically, the Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology is state of the art, and I could tell that the professors really cared about their students during my departmental tour.”


What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“My experience in the Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology has been tremendous. Professors within our department truly care about the education of each and every student. Additionally, they take time to listen to any personal matters and offer their help when needed. You can tell that they love their job and want future audiologists to love it too.”


What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“Outside of class, I enjoy going to the beach and gym and watching reality TV.”


What are your plans after graduation?
“To work at a university where I am able to teach other Doctor of Audiology students while also performing research to further expand the field of vestibular sciences.”


What advice would you offer to future audiology students?
“I would advise future audiology students to apply their classroom knowledge to the clinic in order to have the best experience possible. Additionally, go into every area of audiologic specialty with an open mind, as you never know which area will surprise you and pique your interest!”


What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I have two cats named Poppy and Otis!”


Emma LoveladyEmma Lovelady 


Class Year:
“2026”


Where are you from?
“Birmingham, Alabama”


What was your undergraduate major?
“Speech and Hearing Sciences”


Why do you want to be an audiologist?
“I went through numerous PE tube surgeries as a child and grew a love for audiology. I aim to be an audiologist who is there for those with hearing and balance issues when they feel like all hope is lost.”


What led you to choose South?
“I loved that it had such a homey feeling and everyone was so welcoming! It also was a major bonus being on the coast!”


What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“I have loved my experience as a student at South. Graduating with my bachelor’s and now pursuing my doctorate degree at South has been such an amazing experience. I have loved the community and environment South provides for the students. I also have loved the sporting events and being able to attend events on campus.”


What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“Go to the beach, spend time with family, shop, read and go on boat rides.”


What are your plans after graduation?
“I plan to continue living in Mobile, as I have grown to love the area. I plan to work as an audiologist somewhere along the Gulf Coast, hopefully working with vestibular patients.”


What advice would you offer to future audiology students?
“Go for it! An extra three years seems like a long time, but it is SO worth it! The career is so rewarding! As a future student, my advice is to get involved and push the boundaries of your comfort zone by trying new things!”


What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I have 8 siblings!”

 


Gina Mejia Gina Mejia


Class Year:
“2027”


Where are you from?
“Chicago, Illinois”


What was your undergraduate major?
“Early Childhood Studies, minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences”


Why do you want to be an audiologist?
“I have always known I wanted to work with children, and audiology gives me the opportunity to be a part of a life changing journey by supplying technology that allows them to build relationships and experience life. This will be a very fulfilling career!”


What led you to choose South?
“I started at South as an undergraduate student in 2020. Not being from the area, I chose South based on proximity to my parents after moving to the south. At first, I wanted to go into OT, so I chose a school with a good OT program, and it led me where I am now.”


What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“Beginning my fifth year at South, I can say that I have had an amazing experience with classes, faculty, student involvement and atmosphere. The faculty at South are outstanding and never fail to make me feel heard, valued, prepared and capable.”


What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“I love crafting like sewing, quilting or crocheting, and I love to read.”


What are your plans after graduation?
“I plan to move back home to the Chicago area, work clinically, and potentially begin a Ph.D. program after a few years in the field.”


What advice would you offer to future audiology students?
“Don't be afraid to reach out!! Talk to your professors, get involved in research, and ask questions. It can be daunting to go to a professor you don't know well, but all of our faculty are incredibly helpful and want you to succeed.”


What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I’m a vegetarian.”


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