Research with Charles

Transcript

Let’s meet Charles, a first generation student building a career as a researcher while pursuing a Doctoral Degree in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Charles’s education is bolstered by the U of M’s state-of-the-art research laboratories in its Community Health Building, and its top-tier research enterprise as a Carnegie R1 institution. Charles, you are up.

– Thanks, Alex. I’m happy to introduce you to the fantastic field of research. It starts with an ambition and develops with a purpose. Ever since childhood, I’ve wanted to be a scientist, and thanks to my studies at the University of Memphis, that dream can become a reality. As a first generation graduate student, I had no idea how to navigate the terrain of a doctoral education. I have since connected with a group of top researchers in my field who are currently mentoring my success as an academic in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. My focus is on the intersection of voice, acoustics, and public health. As a Research Assistant, I conduct team lab meetings and manage routine duties of running experiments with human subjects, such as scheduling participant communications. I have since inspired other members of my family to begin their journey on the University of Memphis’ inviting campus. My experiential learning takes place at one of the largest community health-related education and research facilities in the Mid-South. Located on the U of M’s Park Avenue campus, the Community Health Building provides access to mentorship and training that are equipping me to complete community-based research in the state-of-the-art research laboratories. The building also houses the Memphis Speech and Hearing Center, which provides clinical services and hearing and speech. The knowledge, experience, and mentorship at the community clinics and research laboratories makes for a premier educational experience fueled by hands-on learning. My individualized PhD program will allow me to continue my work as a speech language pathologist and overlap a valuable education through public health courses. My goals are to manage a research lab, instruct future scholars, and continue my clinical practice. The University of Memphis is preparing me for an exciting career that will make its mark on the world. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, thank you, Charles. Not only have you successfully navigated the challenges of a first generation student pursuing a PhD, but you’ve also inspired your loved ones to follow your path to the U of M. How awesome is that? Now students like Charles are helping expand the U of M’s already impressive research enterprise as a Carnegie R1 institution. Great job.