LAB MEMBERS
Principal Investigator
Marie Channell, PhD
Associate Professor
Dr. Channell's research focuses on the development of language, cognition, and social-emotional skills in individuals with Down syndrome or other neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability (e.g., fragile X syndrome; autism spectrum disorder), particularly during middle childhood and adolescence. Her questions are framed by how skills in these domains work together to influence everyday communication in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Channell earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Alabama in 2012. Following her PhD, she spent 3 years as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of California, Davis MIND Institute, where she received interdisciplinary training in the Autism Research Training Program (NRSA T32, NIMH). She joined the faculty of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015.
Current Students
Alexandria Barkhimer
PhD Student
Alexandria (Alex) Barkhimer is a doctoral student in Speech and Hearing Science. She graduated with research distinction and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies from The Ohio State University in 2019. Alex’s research interests include language development in children with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. In the future, she hopes to conduct her own research and teach at a university level.
Rebekah Bosley
PhD Student (CCC-SLP)
Rebekah Bosley is a doctoral student in Speech and Hearing Science. She holds a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Mississippi and is licensed to practice speech-language pathology. Rebekah’s research interests include literacy development in children with intellectual disabilities. After graduation, her goals include opening a research-based clinic for children with developmental disabilities and teaching at the university level.
Melissa Hauptman
Graduate Student (MA SLP)
Melissa is a first-year graduate student in Speech and Hearing Science. She completed her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Disability Rights and Services at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Melissa’s research and clinical interests include intellectual disabilities, early intervention, and literacy. After completing her master's degree, Melissa plans to work clinically as a speech-language pathologist.
Lauren Kim
Graduate Student (MA SLP)
Lauren is a graduate student in Speech and Hearing Science. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois in December 2021. Lauren is interested in working with children with intellectual disabilities, speech sound disorders, and language disorders. After completing graduate school, she plans to work in a school as a licensed speech-language pathologist.
Margo Lanier
Graduate Student (MA SLP)
Margo Lanier is a graduate student in the Masters of Arts SLP program. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in May 2021. In her free time, Margo is a member of Illini Service Dogs, a non-profit organization run by college students at U of I who train puppies to become mobility service dogs!
Madison Barrera
Undergraduate Student
Madison is a senior studying Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in Psychology. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, she plans to earn a master's degree and work as a speech-language pathologist in a hospital or school setting. She has a special interest in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and individuals recovering from a traumatic brain injury.
Liz Gremer
Undergraduate Student
Liz is a junior studying Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in Spanish. After graduation, she plans to obtain her master’s degree and work as a speech-language pathologist, potentially in a hospital or clinical setting. She has a special interest in working with individuals with disabilities and bilingual children.
Abigail Keasler
Undergraduate Student
Abigail (Abbie) is a junior studying Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in Disability Studies. After graduating with her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school in order to become a licensed speech-language pathologist. In the future, she hopes to work as a travel speech therapist or work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Alexa Mendoza
Undergraduate Student
I am a senior studying Speech and Hearing Science with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I plan to attend graduate school and obtain a master's degree. I have a passion for working with children and aspire to work in either a school setting or hospital setting where I am able to work with bilingual children.
Emma Mueller
Undergraduate Student
Emma is a junior studying Speech and Hearing Science and Psychology. She plans to obtain her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and work with children, potentially in a clinical setting. She has a special interest in working with patients with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Sarah Pechtl
Undergraduate Student
Sarah is a senior studying Speech and Hearing Science with minors in Spanish and Linguistics. After graduation, she plans to obtain her master’s degree and work as a bilingual speech-language pathologist in a school setting. She is especially interested in working with children with disabilities.
Ashley Yun
Undergraduate Student
Ashley is a senior studying Community Health with a minor in Chemistry. Post-graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in healthcare. Ashley hopes to eventually work somewhere within the realm of surgery or work closely alongside children with disabilities.
Lab Graduates
Melissa Bruce
MA-SLP Student at the University of Iowa
Kelsey Libert
MA-SLP Student at the University of Iowa
Nadia Hernandez
MA-SLP Student at the University of Illinois
Raquelle Riffle
Undergraduate Student at the University of Illinois
Christiana Allen
MA-SLP Student at the University of Illinois
Linnea Sandstrom
MA-SLP, CCC
Stephanie Cheng
MA-SLP, CCC
Amanda Moy
MA-SLP, CCC
Steffi Bauer
MA-SLP, CCC
Katrina Blum
MA-SLP, CFY
Addie Howe
MA-SLP, CCC
Emily Stratton
MSW
Caitlyn Boni
MA-SLP, CCC
Lauren Siragusa
MA-SLP, CCC
Emily Demick
MA-SLP, CCC
Teresa Kubiak
MA-SLP, CCC
Melissa Pietrowicz
MA-SLP Student at the University of Arizona
Taylor Hoffman
MA-SLP, CCC
Jennifer Goodfriend
MSN, Pediatric RN
Allison Rush
MA-SLP Student at Elmhurst College
Katie Schuelke
MA-SLP, CCC
Shealyn Ashby
MA-SLP, CCC