The MARVEL Lab is within the School of Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences at the University of Montana. We are committed to investigating effective language-based literacy intervention methods that prepare students for academic, as well as postsecondary success.
Current Projects
Preparing Students Who Stutter for Life After Graduation:
A National Survey of Current SLP Practices
Little is known about current school-based SLP practices with respect to preparing high school students who stutter (SWS) for the transition to postsecondary life. This is particularly important given that for many SWS, the school-based SLP is the only school professional helping them develop an Individualized Transition Plan. Findings from this study will illuminate current practices.
An Examination of High School Students’ Knowledge
of Miranda Rights Vocabulary
Because individuals with language and learning disabilities 1) frequently struggle with complex vocabulary, and 2) are overrepresented in the judicial system, there is an observed need to prepare high school students with language and learning disabilities (i.e., those with IEPs) for adverse police-initiated interactions. The purpose of this study is to examine high school students’ comprehension of the 31 polysemous vocabulary words frequently used in Miranda Warnings. Findings from this study will help inform school-based SLPs formulation of transition planning goals.
0
0
Mentorship
Dr. Collins mentors students pursuing their bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate and graduate students have presented their research at national conferences following a rigorous peer review selection process, have been selected for prestigious honors, awards, and experiences through a competitive selection process (e.g., ASHA's Minority Student Leadership Award, NSLLHA Leadership programs, bilingual clinical education abroad programs), and numerous scholarships under her mentorship. If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate capstone project, graduate thesis, or doctorate under Dr. Collins's mentorship, please schedule an appointment with her to discuss opportunities.
Our Collaborators
Kerry Mandulak
Associate ProfessorÂ
School of Communication Sciences &Â DisordersÂ
Pacific University
Naomi Rodgers
Assistant Professor
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Tobias Kroll, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist with a specialization in language and literacy development and qualitative research. He is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. His current research interests center on the role of strategic flexibility in reading comprehension, and the intersection of social communication and identity formation in diverse and (post-) traumatic contexts.
Michael Gomez
Michael Gomez, Ph.D., LP, TF-CBT-MT, PCIT-CT, CE-CERT-MT, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in Trauma-Focused CBT, treatment of adolescents with problematic sexual behaviors (PSB), PCIT, TARGET, and assessment of autism spectrum disorders. He is one of the three national co-chairs for the National Child Traumatic Stress Networks (NCTSN) Trauma and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Workgroup. He will be joining the Bradley Hospital team, Lifespan Institute, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University in Fall 2021.
Tobias Kroll
Meet The Capstone Students
Sami Siems
Sami Siems is a senior at the University of Montana double majoring in Communicative Sciences & Disorders and Communication Studies. She is also a member of the UM Women's Soccer team. Sami plans to pursue a masters degree and become a speech-language pathologist.
"I am using this lab opportunity and other volunteer experiences to discover the specific area that I want to specialize in when I become a certified SLP."
Bridget Johnson
Bridget Johnson is a senior majoring in Communications and
minoring in Psychology. She enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, and being outside!
Bridget plans to pursue a Master's degree in speech-language pathology.
"I love many different aspects of the field, so I have a hard time choosing an age group I want to focus on."
Zayna Fairhart
​Zayna Fairheart is a senior majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and minoring in Psychology.
She enjoys crocheting, taking care of houseplants, and playing instruments.
"I am still exploring my options because the field of speech-language pathology is so vast!"
Meet Our Volunteers
Jon Doe
Coming Soon
Jane Doe
Coming Soon
James Doe
Coming Soon