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I pursued my doctorate because of my interests in clinical research in the areas of pediatric feeding and swallowing. I completed a project examining the relationship between children's oral motor skills and food refusal. In addition, I am interested in speech disorders related to cleft lip and palate. I chose The University of Iowa Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders for my doctoral study for a couple of reasons. First, The University of Iowa has long history of research in speech disorders associated with cleft lip and palate. Second, The University of Iowa excels in the integration of basic science research, clinical research, and clinical application. The course work within Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as in other departments allowed the building of foundations for basic and clinical research within a broader environment. The faculty were very supportive and provided excellent guidance as I developed my research interests and ideas. When I started my doctoral studies, I was sure I wanted to do only clinical research, but through my journey at Iowa, I discovered I also enjoy research in the basic physiology of communication and swallowing and working to bridge basic research with clinical research and clinical applications. I have continued to pursue clinical research in the areas of pediatric feeding and swallowing, as well as cleft lip and palate. I also continue to direct patient care to pediatric patients within an academic healthcare setting to apply what we learn from research to patient assessment and treatment. |
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