School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD) student Aubrey Donehoo was selected for the Summer Vocology Institute (SVI), a prestigious specialized training program in voice science and habilitation, held from June 8-July 23 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

The SVI is an intensive training program that teaches vocology, the science and practice of voice habilitation, helping people develop, restore, or optimize their speaking and singing voices. SVI is designed to be flexible and inclusive, offering graduate credit for eligible students while fostering close interaction between faculty and participants from diverse professional backgrounds. 

“This institute is one of the very few programs that offer specialized education in this component of the field of Speech Language Pathology,” said Aubrey Donehoo. “It’s a rare opportunity to get that education because it’s not offered in many places.” 

Donehoo’s application was supported by letters of recommendation from Drs. Kim Crass and Dr. Richard Morris, both of whom she credits as influential mentors in her academic journey. 

“Dr. Kim Crass is a great role model for me in my career. She helped me understand the program and encouraged me to pursue new experiences,” Donehoo said. “Dr. Richard Morris has always believed in me more than I sometimes believed in myself. He was my thesis supervisor for my Honors in the Major thesis, being a strong mentor in the field of voice, and he’s given me tools to conduct research, be a strong student, and become a better presenter.” 

In addition to mentorship, Donehoo said her coursework, faculty support, and clinical experiences within SCSD helped shape her passion for vocology.

“There are specific courses and programs, such as the IDD practicum and the Honors in the Major thesis program, that gave me experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise and helped me be successful in my endeavors,” she said. “The internship opportunities, involvement, and supportive faculty who go above and beyond for undergraduate students have been incredibly helpful.” 

As she prepares for the program in Utah, Donehoo said she is eager to deepen her knowledge of vocology while also reflecting on her educational journey and future goals. 

“Studying and working alongside graduate and doctoral students who are much more experienced than me will give me a better perspective on what a privilege it is to be a student and attend university,” she said. “That’s a perspective I’ll bring back to FSU, continuing to give back to the program.” 

Donehoo’s participation in the Summer Vocology Institute reflects both her academic dedication and her commitment to advancing her understanding of voice science. Looking forward to expanding her knowledge and perspective back to FSU, she hopes to continue contributing to her academic community and preparing for a future career as a speech-language pathologist.