Kira Stith is a first-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at East Carolina University. She has participated in the lab since her junior year in the undergraduate Speech and Hearing Sciences program at ECU and recently, presented her independent study poster at ASHA 2023: Igniting Innovation. Joining Dr. Holt’s lab has provided Kira with hands on experience in research, collaboration with her peers and community, leadership opportunities, and a sense of community. In her free time, Kira enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Noelle Halverson is a first-year graduate student at East Carolina University. She has participated in the Production and Perceptions of Speech Sound Labsince the spring semester of her junior year in the Speech and Hearing Sciences program at ECU. She appreciates the opportunity to take part in the process of research to better serve populations and grow her academic community. Noelle has a passion for the pediatric population and is specifically interested in development. When she’s not busy organizing her notes, she enjoys spending time outside and with friends and family or roaming the aisles of Marshalls.

Kate Whitehurst is a 1^st year graduate student and a research assistant at ECU! Kate is also Co-Vice President for our NSSLHA chapter at ECU. One of the many reasons that she chose to be a part of this lab is because she is interested in making advancements that help children communicate more effectively. This lab has provided her with many opportunities that have helped to expand her knowledge as she work towards her career as an SLP.  In her free time she enjoys cooking, going shopping, and going for walks! 

Meghan Whalen is a first-year graduate student and Research Assistant at ECU. Joining this lab has not only provided her with hands-on experience that will be beneficial in her future career but allowed her to grow as a student within this program. Outside of school, Meghan enjoys playing tennis, reading, and traveling. 

Lomax Mizzelle is an undergraduate student & will graduate in May 2024. She loves working in the Audio and Equity Speech Lab. It allows her to connect 2 things she’s passionate about speech & interacting with the Greenville community. Lomax enjoys getting the community excited & involved in the work of this lab. Her hobbies are creating art, reading and traveling. Her favorite NFL team is the Washington Commanders, she’s hoping to go to her very first NFL game this year.

Makayla Shaw is an undergraduate Senior majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Makayla is deeply passionate about expanding her expertise in the field through research endeavors. Makayla also has years of experience at Easterseals, specifically within the 3-6 year old classroom and find fulfillment in contributing to early intervention initiatives. When presented with the opportunity to join the Audio and Tech Equity research team, focused on collecting speech production data from female caregivers and children aged 3.5-5.5 years old, Makayla eagerly accepted the role without hesitation. Outside of the lab, Makayla is the Autism Society Club Secretary, Pirates for Down Syndrome Awareness Club Vice President, and NSSLHA Secretary. Makayla grew up as a Tom Brady fan. Consequently, at the age of 16, she bought her very first dog and named him Brady.

Whitley Dockery is a junior majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Whitley joined the lab to gain more knowledge about the speech pathology career field and has enjoyed her experience in the lab. She has gained hands on experience with graduate students in the lab. In addition to becoming more knowledgeable, Whitley has gotten out of her comfort zone and increased her confidence level. She is eager to learn more about this field.  In Whitley’s free time, she enjoys attending events on campus and worshipping at Koinonia Christian Center. Whitley is an ECU ambassador and a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association.

Abigale Williams is a junior at ECU. She decided to join this lab because she believed that Dr. Holt would be able to challenge her in ways that will further her learning experience in the field of Speech and Hearing! Additionally, Abigale wanted to gain additional knowledge about the socio-cultural aspects of speech and how they are produced and perceived. Outside of the lab, Abigale is a 3^rd year Resident Advisor (RA) for ECU and she loves to binge-watch tv shows, travel, paint, and swim when she goes back home to Hatteras!

Sarah Nasser is a junior here at ECU. Since this lab works to help improve computer listening products, she feels happy knowing that I get to contribute positively to society. Sarah enjoys being a part of lab because the goal of enhancing language processing through technology aligns well with her career goals as a future speech-language pathologist. She also enjoys being a member of different clubs on campus such as NSSLHA and MSA. When she’s not in school Sarah likes to bake, watch movies, and spend time with her family. 

Reagan Hall is currently a junior in the BS Speech & Hearing Sciences program here at ECU. Being a part of Dr. Holt’s Lab has taught her many things, such as learning how to work with other lab members as a team and how to navigate the software PRAAT. Other than being a part of Dr. Holt’s Research Lab, you may find her at the Pirate Academic Success Center (PASC). At the PASC, Reagan is a Success Coach, Tutor, and a member of the PASC Crew Organization assisting in Outreach. A fun fact about Reagan is that she was a dancer for 15 years at my hometown studio before attending ECU!