#CHBSChats with Brynn Morales

Series produced by: Morgan Bond
Creative Services Social Media Assistant

Why did you choose to study communication sciences and disorders? 

I have always been interested in health care professions because the human body fascinates me and I love working with people. Most CSD majors go on to become speech pathologists or audiologists. I am planning on becoming an audiologist because of my interest in hearing and balance.

How has the learning environment in the CSD program helped you become more successful?

CSD is a competitive program, but the professors have created an environment that facilitates learning. We are all taking the classes to learn so that we can be the best in our profession. We are taught to be independent learners and inquirers. This environment has helped me to become more successful because I have to work hard to get what I want. 

What is the most challenging aspect of being a CSD major?

The most challenging aspect of being a CSD major is finding a balance. It is so easy to only focus on just school and our classes, but it is important to engage in other interests. Our course load is rigorous because we are learning information that is unlike anything we learned in high school, or general education classes, so combating tunnel vision is very challenging.

Have you had a chance to participate in any research or clinical activities?

Yes, I am currently a research assistant in Dr. Cindy O’Donoghue’s Clinical Research in Neurogenic Communication Disorders. I am also a research volunteer for a doctoral student, Paris Atabek, in Dr. Erin Piker’s Vestibular Sciences Lab.

Are there extracurricular activities you have found complementary to your major?

I am a part of NSSLHA, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. Through this club, we are connected with professionals and professors to learn more about our major and future careers. 

Has a particular faculty member been a mentor or an inspiration to you?  

Dr. Cindy O’Donoghue has helped me so much through my undergraduate career. She has always been there to answer my questions, expose me to opportunities, and mentor me in any way she can. Dr. O’Donoghue has done so much for the CSD community, and I respect her and the work she does.

What future goals have you established for yourself related to your major? 

I think I would like to start out as a vestibular audiologist, who diagnoses and treats patients with dizziness and imbalance. Eventually, I would like to open my own audiology clinic and work with hearing loss. I have also thought of getting my Ph.D. so I can do research and become a professor.  

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Just for fun...

• Best place to study on campus?
  ECL or SSC

• Favorite restaurant in Harrisonburg?
  FoodBarFood or Jpetal

• Favorite junk food?
  Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

• Favorite TV show?
  Criminal Minds