Dr. Shraddha Shende, PhD
Principal Investigator
Education:
- PhD. Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2016-2020)
- MA-SLP, AYJNIHH (2012-2014)
- BA-SLP, Ali Yavarjung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (2008-2012)
Contact: sashend@ilstu.edu
Website: Shraddha Shende | College of Arts and Sciences – Illinois State
Caitlyn Welsh, B.A.
Graduate Researcher
Education:
- AuD Illinois State University (2022-2026)
- B.A. Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism, University of California Santa Cruz (2018-2020)
Goals and Interests:
- Become a published co-author for an upcoming research project.
- Amplification, cochlear implants, and vestibular diagnostics for older adults.
Hobbies:
- Crocheting, learning languages, and reading
Contact: cwelsh@ilstu.edu
Derian Cunningham, B.S.
Graduate Researcher
Education:
- AuD Illinois State University (2022-2026)
- B.S. Biology University of South Carolina (2017-2020)
Goals and Interests:
- Create and be more involved in community outreach projects.
- Pediatric audiology and electrophysiology.
Hobbies:
- Baking, reading, and sewing
Contact: dkcunn1@ilstu.edu
Camyrn Kirkham , B.S.
Graduate Researcher
Education:
- AuD Illinois State University (2022-2027)
- B.S. Biology and a minor in Sociology, Bradley University (2015-2019)
Goals & Interests:
- Learn more about the link between hearing and cognition.
- Gain more experience in audiology research
- Become an empathetic and well-rounded audiologist, specializing in tinnitus, CI, electrophysiology, and auditory processing disorders.
Hobbies:
- Reading, baking, and volunteer work
Contact: clkirk1@ilstu.edu
Grace Cavanagh, B.A.
Graduate Researcher
Education:
- AuD Illinois State University (2024-2028)
- B.S. Pre-Audiology and Spanish, Ball State University, Indiana (2020-2024)
Goals and Interests:
- Become a published research author.
- Vestibular audiology and intraoperative neural monitoring.
Hobbies:
- Reading, taking walks, and watching Criminal Minds
Contact: gecavan@ilstu.edu
Jenna Nehls, B.S.
Graduate Researcher
Education:
- AuD Illinois State University (2023-2027)
- B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders, Illinois State University (2019-2023)
Goals and Interests:
- Learn more about the relationship between hearing and cognition.
- Adult amplification
Hobbies:
- Reading and crafting with her Cricut
Contact: jnhedge@ilstu.edu
Mukta Manoj
Undergraduate Researcher
Education:
- B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders, Illinois State University (2021-2025)
Goals and Interests:
- Obtain a position in a graduate program for Audiology.
- Gain experience in all specialities of Audiology.
Hobbies:
- Watching movies and going to the gym
Contact: mmanoj1@ilstu.edu
Kathryn Beilstein
Undergraduate Researcher
Education:
- B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders, Illinois State University (2021-2025)
Goals and Interests:
- Obtain a position in a graduate program for Audiology.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the neural connection between the hearing mechanism and the brain.
Hobbies:
- Playing volleyball and baking
Contact: krbeils@ilstu.edu
Sophia Colula
Undergraduate Researcher
Education:
- B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders, Illinois State University (2023-2027)
Goals and Interests:
- Pursue medical audiology
Hobbies:
- Playing soccer and listening to music
Contact: sfcolul@ilstu.edu
Juliana Turner
Undergraduate Researcher
Education:
- B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders, Illinois State University (2023-2026)
Goals and Interests:
- Improve networking skills and learn new research skills
Hobbies:
- Reading, biking, and playing piano
Contact: jrturn1@ilstu.edu
Lab Alums
Daniel Ferguson , B.S.
Contact: defergu@ilstu.edu