Principal Investigator
Kathrin Rothermich, PhD
Dr. Rothermich has over 15 years of research experience in Cognitive Neuroscience, Communication Science and Disorders, and Neurolinguistics. Her main goal as a director of the SCONE Lab is to advance knowledge about how humans communicate and perceive speaker intentions. To that end, she uses behavioral tools, eye tracking, neuroimaging, and brain stimulation to explore social communication abilities in healthy participants and individuals with neurogenic disorders, such as Parkinson’s Disease and after stroke. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, cuddling with cats, and lifting weights.
Lab Manager
Dai’Sha Dowson
Dai’Sha is a senior in the speech and hearing science program and also majoring in psychology. She transferred from Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, NC where she’s also from. In her free time, she reads manga, crochets, or spends time with her sister. She’s grateful to be a part of the lab and is excited to work with everyone. She plans to learn a lot not only through research but about her potential aspects after graduating from the lab.
Ph.D. Students
Rosie Baker
Rose is starting her Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders this year. She is most recently from Massachusetts, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Linguistics. In her free time, she likes to cook, go on walks, and do jigsaw puzzles.
Graduate Assistants
Kendal Brice
Kendal is a First- year graduate student in Speech and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Human Development and Family Sciences, and was the former lab manager. She is attending graduate school to fulfill her dreams of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist to help others. Kendal is the Chapter Director and President of Delight Ministries on campus, a member of ECU’s chapter of NSSLHA, an Access scholar, and enjoys spending time in her hometown, New Bern, with her fiancé, family, and friends.
Julia Scott
Julia is a Second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program from Hope Mills, North Carolina. She received her Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, she aspires to become a Speech-Language Pathologist in hopes of one day opening a private practice. She is a member of ECU’s NSSLHA chapter and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. When she is not studying in Laupus Library, you can find her enjoying chips and queso while watching Netflix.
Caroline Sprinkle
Caroline is an Eastern NC native and is currently a Second-year graduate student in the Masters of Speech-Language Pathology program at ECU. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a BA in Religious Studies and minors in Communications and Linguistics in 2017. After graduating, she traveled all over the northern Philippines as a community development volunteer for a year. She has been in Asheville for the past 2 years working in charter schools as a School Engagement Coordinator through AmeriCorps. Caroline loves reading (and recommending!) books of every genre, cooking new recipes, and spending time with loved ones. She hopes to work with children after graduation, especially those with craniofacial disorders and cleft and lip palates.
Allie Wilson
Allie is a Second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program from Raleigh, NC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Public Health in 2020. She completed a year of pre-requisite courses at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro before attending ECU. Allie is a member of ECU’s NSSLHA chapter. In her free time, Allie loves to go on walks, spend time with friends and family, and watch Netflix. She is currently watching Manifest with her roommates and patiently waiting for the 4th season to come out. While Allie is still trying to figure out exactly which setting she aspires to be in, she hopes to work with children.
Molly Hostetler
Molly is a First-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program. She was born and raised in Greenville, NC. She obtained her undergraduate in Elementary Education at UNC Wilmington. She taught first and third grade and spent a year teaching English in Spain before she moved back home to the pirate nation! She loves to travel, play tennis, and take her dog, Oso, on outdoor adventures! She loves working with children but has recently found an interest in working with older adults after graduate school. She is excited to learn more about her path as an SLP by working in the SCONE lab.
Undergraduate Students
Hannah Ragsdale
Hannah is a senior majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences with minors in Hispanic Studies, Biology, and Natural Composite Sciences. She is also a part of the honors college here at ECU! Hannah is from Wake Forest, NC. In her free time, she loves to do calligraphy, hang out with her friends, exercise, and go shopping.
Maddie Coster
Maddie is an undergrad senior at ECU majoring in biology and minoring in neurology. She is from Phoenix, AZ. She graduated with her associate’s in biology from Mesa Community College, AZ in 2019 before moving to East Carolina in Spring 2020. After graduation, she will be attending St. Mary’s University of MN for grad school to earn her MBA, then Mercer Medical School in GA. She is looking forward to opening her own neurology practice in central GA specializing in physical and occupational rehabilitation for patients with peripheral nervous system injuries and disorders. Maddie is an Army veteran with a number of years in nursing and clinical services. This August marks her 20th year in martial arts, 10th year as an instructor, and 2nd year teaching karate here in the Greenville area. Her current personal neuro-medical research centers around pharmacological treatment options for MDD arising from serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4, s/s (short) phenotype, and its possible relation to upstream methylation factors resulting in comorbidities / more critical presentation of MDD symptoms.
Catherine Nobles
Catherine is a senior from Fayetteville, NC. She has a biology minor, neuroscience studies minor with plans for medical school in Fall ’23. she works as an EMT part-time, and in her free time, she likes to work on my truck, read, or explore.
Jewlia Burney
Jewlia is from Virginia and is a junior. Her major is neuroscience and psychology with a minor in composite natural sciences she plans on going to physician’s assistant school when she graduates to later work as a pa in neurosurgery. She’s also in a panhellenic sorority on campus and enjoys holding leadership positions in it and helping our philanthropies in her free time.
Alumni
Mackenzie Rountree
Mackenzie is an East Carolina University alumna that was in the Speech-Language Pathology program at ECU. She received her Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in psychology and was the former lab manager for the SCONE lab. She worked at the Autism Society of North Carolina throughout her undergraduate career and has a passion for working with the special needs population, she would like to continue to work with children who have communication delays after graduation. When she is not studying, you can find her drinking iced coffee or playing with her puppy, Charlie.
Madeline Funke
Madeline is an East Carolina University alumna that was in the Speech-Language Pathology program at ECU. She grew up in Cecil County, Maryland, and she received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory in May 2019. She is an alumni member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity, and loves remaining active in her community through volunteering. After receiving her Master’s degree, Madeline hopes to become a medical SLP, as well as continue her career as a classical singer.
Jordan Thompson
Jordan is an East Carolina University alumna that was in the Masters of Speech-Language Pathology program at ECU. She went to WCU for her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her current research project is focused on word preferences and why people like saying, the sound of, or the way words look. When Jordan isn’t working in the lab or completing coursework, she is typically watching The Office or Parks and Rec. Some fun facts about Jordan is that she once hiked the Rucu Pinchincha Mountains (a maximum elevation of 15,600 ft) in Quito, Ecuador and she got engaged this past August!
Sydnie Dudek
Sydnie is an East Carolina University alumna from Sandusky, Ohio. Sydnie was majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Disabilities Studies. After grad school, she hopes to be a Speech Pathologist for students with special needs. She is a member is NSSHLA and Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. When she is not working in the Office of the Dean or studying in the library she’s drinking coffee and spending time with her friends.
Hannah Ring
Hannah is an East Carolina University alumna, that was double majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences and Psychology. After graduation, she aspires to attend graduate school to become an SLP. She would like to work with the pediatric population and one day open a clinic. Other than school and the lab, she has a job, she is a tour guide for ECU, and she is very involved in the Fuse college ministry
Rachel Mansfield
Rachel is an East Carolina University alumna. She obtained her B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences and minor in Disabilities Studies. She works at the Autism Society of North Carolina and helps run the Autism Society of North Carolina Campus Chapter at ECU. Rachel is passionate about working with children with autism and intends to become an SLP and continue working with children with autism. When she is not working or studying, you can find her hanging out with friends, cooking, reading, or running!!
Havan Harris
Havan is an East Carolina University alumna from Roxboro, NC, receiving her Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences and the previous lab manager for the SCONE lab. She spent the summer of 2017 interning at Duke University Hospital and developed an interest in the adult population, specifically those with neurological difficulties and swallowing disorders. She was on the publicity committee for ECU’s NSSLHA chapter. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Speech Pathology at East Carolina University. If you are what you eat, Havan would be a burrito (specifically a Joey Jr) from her all-time favorite place, Moe’s, where you can find her at least twice a week! Another fun fact is that she is the oldest of eight siblings.
Emily Ritter
Emily is an East Carolina University alumna from Wilmington, NC, receiving her Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences. During her undergraduate studies, she was a member of ECU’s NSSLHA chapter and was a research assistant in the Aging and Adult Language Disorders lab. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at ECU and has developed an interest in working with children and/or aging adults. Outside of school, she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and volunteering at Cypress Glen Retirement Community.
Kim Fleck
Kim is a recent graduate of ECU with her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. She will be living and working in the Charlotte area in an elementary school. She will be working with various students, including those with hearing impairments. She is currently writing a questionnaire study for patients with Parkinson’s disease and the impact it has on their social communication. You will still find her watching the Bachelor/ette, working out, and exploring all the new adventures Charlotte has to offer. She is excited to start her career and will miss her time working in the lab with all of the team!
Sharon Falkins
Atticus Toriello
Atticus is an East Carolina University alumna East Carolina University. He lived in Ohio and Louisiana before moving to North Carolina. He is majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. Atticus has taken biofeedback courses at ECU’s Center for Applied Psychophysiology. He has also presented at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Atticus wishes to continue his education in graduate school majoring in either behavioral psychology or neuroscience. When he’s not in class, you can find him playing Magic the Gathering or Dungeons and Dragons! He’s also a huge fan of music and has been playing guitar since he was 14.
Maddie Capps
Maddie is an East Carolina University alumna from Statesville, North Carolina. She was majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences and minoring in psychology. She aspires to get her doctorate degree in audiology and work with pediatric patients. She is a member of ECU’s NSSLHA chapter and Gamma Sigma Sigma service sorority. You can always find her in the health sciences student center studying and when she’s not there you can find her anywhere where there is ice cream.
Emma Plyler
Emma is an East Carolina University alumna from Statesville, North Carolina. She was a double major, majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences and Applied Economics with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, she is hoping to attend graduate school to become an Audiologist. She is a member of ECU’s NSSHLA chapter, Gamma Sigma Sigma, and is a Lead Tutor at the Pirate Academic Success Center. She has a passion for serving the Greenville community and hopes to continue to give back even after graduation. When she isn’t studying or working, you can find her at Moe’s enjoying chips and queso or the outdoors.
Cristal Jackson
Cristal is a Salem College alumna, receiving her Bachelor’s in Biology, Psychology, and Spanish Literature. Her undergraduate thesis delved into the Bilingual Advantage Hypothesis by assessing the cognitive control of both monolinguals and bilinguals with the use of ERNs. Her research interests revolve around topics pertaining to psycholinguistics and developmental cognitive neuroscience, alongside neuroimaging techniques. Continuing on with her research, she will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology in the near future. When outside of the lab, Cristal practices Krav Maga and boxing and also enjoys spending time with her new kitten.
Monica Beingolea
Monica is an East Carolina University alumna from Raleigh, North Carolina. She is pursuing a master’s degree in Speech Pathology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She hopes to one day work with traumatic brain injury patients as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She was a former member of ECU’s NSSLHA Chapter and is also on the Student Academy of Audiology Social Committee. At any moment you might find her thinking about teacup pigs… which she is working really hard in school for so she can support her own one day.
Megan Bennett
Megan is an East Carolina University alumna from Bladenboro, North Carolina. She received a Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing is pursuing a master’s degree in Speech Pathology at North Carolina Central University. Her goal is to work with children in a school setting. She is a former member of the Kappa Delta sorority and ECU’s NSSLHA chapter. She loves to travel and spend time with family and friends. When she gets a break from studying, you can find her shopping or eating at Chick-fil-A.
Brenda Toro
Brenda is an East Carolina University alumna, receiving her Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She is originally from New Jersey. Brenda worked in a children’s specialized hospital over the summer where she assisted in welcoming children and observing Speech-Language Pathologists. She desires to work with children who have communication delays. Brenda is continuing her studies in a master’s program at Stockton University. She is a former member of the Delta Zeta sorority and ECU’s NSSLHA chapter. A fun fact about Brenda is that she has a fraternal twin!
Lindsay Leonard
Lindsay is an East Carolina University alumna from Nashville, North Carolina. She received a Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing is pursuing a master’s degree in Speech Pathology. She is interested in working with the elderly population and is also intrigued with the evaluation and treatment of stuttering. She is a former member of ECU’s NSSLHA chapter. Sunsets are the highlight of all her days and she desires to have a life full of traveling.
Collaborators:
Dr. Susan Bobb, Gordon College https://www.gordon.edu/susanbobb
Dr. Gitte Joergensen, University of Connecticut https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gitte_Joergensen
Dr. Moritz Dannhauer, Duke University https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Moritz_Dannhauer
Dr. Angela Roberts, Northwestern University https://lcanresearch.northwestern.edu/
Dr. Victoria Talwar, McGill University https://www.mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/victoria-talwar
Dr. Marc Pell, McGill University https://www.mcgill.ca/pell_lab/
Dr. Emily Myers, University of Connecticut, https://myerslab.uconn.edu/home/lab-members-4/