TAMIU CSDO Students Awarded at TSHA Annual Convention
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDO) students and faculty recently attended the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association 69th Annual Convention and Exhibition in San Antonio.
There, a poster presentation, “Investigating Classroom Acoustics and Perceptions for Improved Hispanic Educational Outcomes” by CSDO students Laura A. Martínez, Aaliyah Ibarra, Valeria Méndez, Triana I. González, Kayla Sifuentes, and Dr. Sumalai Moaroonroge, TAMIU associate clinical professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, received a third place award, solely behind first and second place awards given to Ph.D. students from the University of Texas at Austin.
A total of 16 students attended the Conference. While there, they were able to learn more about different graduate programs, meet future faculty members and network with program peers.
Throughout the convention, students were also able to network and interview with companies based in San Antonio and surrounding areas for potential job opportunities.
Students were also accompanied by TAMIU CSDO faculty members Daniella García-Zertuche and Nidia García, clinical assistant professors, respectively.
“I truly believe this allowed them to see the ‘Speech and Audiology world’ outside of the classroom setting, see the great impact we have in the care of those in need, and what a great community of professionals we have,” García noted.
García-Zertuche, concurred, emphasizing the importance of these opportunities for future health care professionals entering careers in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
“It was truly amazing to see our students be part of this conference and for them to find out what the state of Texas has to offer in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. I am so proud of them and being part of this wonderful CSDO TAMIU program,” said García-Zertuche.
Funding to attend the Convention was made possible through support from the University’s Division of Student Engagement.
The University’s CSDO program offers students a pre-professional education, emphasizing the importance of oral and written communication, scientific research, critical thinking, and ethical principles. Currently, a Bachelor of Science degree is available. To view the program listing, visit https://go.tamiu.edu/csdo-catalog
Students who go through the TAMIU program have opportunities for clinical observation and practicum of therapy for individuals across the lifespans that have communication delays or disorders through the CSDO Clinic.
Established in 2007, the CSDO Clinic provides services to children and adults with speech-language disorders. Services include assessment and intervention of speech, language, voice and fluency disorders in children and adults. Services are provided in both English and Spanish.
The CSDO program is housed in the University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
For more information, contact García and García-Zertuche via email at csdo@tamiu.edu.
Registration for TAMIU’s Summer and Fall 2025 is underway online via Uconnect.
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