Misericordia Speech-Language Pathology Students Present Research at International Conference in Malta

Misericordia Speech-Language Pathology Students Present Research at International Conference in Malta

DALLAS, Pa. – Four Misericordia University speech-language pathology students and their faculty mentors represented the University this summer at the 33rd World Congress of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP) in Malta. The event, held August 24–28, brought together professionals and researchers from around the globe under the theme “Innovation and Inspiration in Communication Sciences and Disorders.”

Fifth-year speech-language pathology students Kara Thourot, Sara Lombardi, Michaela Raub, and Alexandra Long presented original research projects developed in collaboration with Misericordia faculty. Their studies explored innovative approaches in the field, ranging from the use of socially assistive robotics in therapy to integrating theories of motivation and family systems into treatment, advancing applications of motor learning principles, and developing new tools for assessing inducible laryngeal obstruction and voice therapy techniques.

Dr. Cari Tellis, professor of speech-language pathology, served as mentor on four of the accepted presentations, while Erin Roberts, assistant professor of speech-language pathology, attended the conference with the students and co-presented their work on socially assistive robotics.

For the students, the opportunity to present at an international congress was both challenging and rewarding.

“I have never experienced anything like our trip to the IALP World Congress 2025 in Malta,” said Lombardi. “Presenting to and hearing from so many people from around the world as some of the only graduate students in attendance was daunting, enlightening, and fulfilling.”

Raub reflected on the impact of the global exchange of ideas. “Presenting at the 33rd World Congress of the IALP allowed me to connect with professionals in the field of communication sciences and disorders from around the world. This incredible experience deepened my understanding of current research across diverse cultural contexts, broadening my perspective on the future of patient care.”

Long, who has now presented at two international conferences during her graduate studies, noted the personal and professional significance of the experience. “Attending the conference in Malta proved to be an invaluable opportunity,” she said. “In addition to the professional development gained through conference attendance, we had the opportunity to explore the cultural and natural beauty of Malta.”

Faculty echoed their pride in the students’ accomplishments. “It was a privilege to witness our graduate students get to show off their hard work to professionals from all over the world,” said Roberts. “I was approached several times by SLPs telling me how wonderful they all did, and I wholeheartedly agree. I could not be prouder of them.”

The IALP World Congress is held every three years and is regarded as one of the leading international gatherings in the field of communication sciences and disorders. For Misericordia’s students, it provided not only a stage to present their research, but also a platform to learn from cutting-edge studies being conducted worldwide, such as deep brain stimulation as a stuttering treatment method in France and speech therapy programs in Finnish prisons.

The experience underscores Misericordia University’s commitment to preparing students for leadership in their fields and fostering opportunities for them to share their work with global audiences.