BA Speech and Hearing Science
May 2022
Mentor: Grazyna Kochanska (Psychological and Brain Sciences)

“Everyone should be aware that there are many different research opportunities at the University of Iowa that will enhance your learning and will open the door for new opportunities in your future,” states undergraduate researcher Gracie Brown. She is proof of that concept.

Gracie was driven toward research for two reasons: her strong interest in science and a desire to learn how it is conducted. As a Speech and Hearing Science major working toward a career in speech pathology, Gracie knew that she could follow many different routes in research. Her search ultimately led her to Dr. Grazyna Kochanska’s Child Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. She recognized the potential impact on her career from the moment she heard about the lab’s work. “I wanted to join this lab particularly because it was based around child development and psychology, which are both critical to understand as a speech pathologist,” says Gracie.

The Child Lab runs a large study of 200 families (you may have read or heard about the Children and Parents Study, or “CAPS”). Gracie works on a sizeable team comprised of undergraduates, postbacs, graduate students, professional staff, and a postdoctoral fellow to study different aspects of social and emotional development in children. Primary Investigator Dr. Kochanska states that she has greatly enjoyed having Gracie as a team member. “She has become a reliable coder… She has also assisted with many laboratory sessions, during which we observe parents and their young children, and she has helped with data entry for several projects.” As Gracie’s mentor, Dr. Kochanska also realizes the importance of research on an undergraduate’s education. “Everyone’s contribution is important. Being a lab member provides everyone with valuable research experience and with wonderful preparation and credentials for future graduate training.”

That training and the pursuit of good science underscores Gracie’s future goals and current motives. “I want to be a speech pathologist because I am interested in how science can help people enhance their lives through therapy.” She notes that research has bolstered her own education by teaching her vital scholarly processes, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, and reasoning.  Thank you for being a thoughtful part of the UI’s research community, Gracie!