Where did you go to school?
I went to school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville before attending UAMS.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
I have been strongly influenced by my parents, who have provided me exposure to many experiences throughout my life to inform my own self‑actualization, along with Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and other fiction authors who have taught me to recognize the humor in life’s subtleties and consider the larger experiences of everyone around me that inform their current presentation.
What led you to choosing your program?
I chose the UAMS audiology program as I have lived in Arkansas my whole life and have a great appreciation for our state’s high geographic and cultural variability. Specific to my program, I was further motivated by the robust student clinic that is offered and our early working within it.
What do you like about UAMS?
I like the emphasis that UAMS places on continued contributions to research, as it allows me to delve into areas of particular interest under experienced mentors and remain cognizant of the currently evidence‑supported practice. These mentors also serve as classroom instructors, offering practical perspectives on theoretical subjects because they are typically actively implementing them in their clinical practice.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the stories that encompass everyone’s life and the connections that are formed within the sharing of those stories. Through ensuring access to sound, I am endlessly grateful to be able to contribute to this sharing.
If you could share some helpful tip to future students, what would they be?
I would recommend consistently exposing yourself to course material even after you have been initially tested on it. Additionally, to limit the prevalent need to look at a screen, print out assignments and readings as much as possible. Staring at a screen can be quite draining.
What are your hobbies?
I love to read, walk my dog, whistle, and explore new places near and far from home.
What are your plans after graduation?
While I am particularly drawn to working as an audiologist in a hospital setting, I ultimately plan to work in an environment that offers exposure to a wide range of people from all walks of life and allows me to implement a wide range of capabilities afforded within my licensure.