#WhyMoody: Today we have Au.D./Ph.D. student Lauren Ralston from La Porte, Texas. Ralston completed her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (now Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences) at #TEXASMoody. “Each professor I’ve had during my graduate degree has gone above and beyond to ensure that I have the tools necessary to succeed in Audiology. Graduate school isn’t easy, but having supportive, kind, and knowledgeable people surrounding you makes all the difference.”

Since high school, it was clear to Ralston that she was passionate about audiology. “I love working with patients, and caring for others through clinical practice has led me to discover my interest in research. I found myself diving into research daily hoping to discover answers to questions arising as I was learning.” She is interested in exploring topics like cortical reorganization in individuals with dual or multi-sensory losses, cortical inhibition, and perception in individuals with tinnitus and the various manifestations related to the pathophysiology of auditory neuropathy.

Ralston is a teaching assistant for classes in the SLHS department, the same ones she took during her undergraduate studies. “Being able to help students solidify their understanding of concepts that at first seemed impossible is really rewarding. Seeing students discover their interests and passion in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology is exciting, and I enjoy being a part of each of their processes.” ...

#MoodySpotlight: Judson Hayden is a Communication and Leadership major. He's also the President of the @lhblacks , an organization that exists within the Longhorn Band community. Hayden is a leader on campus, and he believes in the importance of making an environment inclusive for all.

Hayden said he is happy that he decided to be a Moody student and that it has allowed him the tools to be a leader in different spaces. He wants to go to grad school for educational policy, and his goal is to send as many kids to college as he can.

“It’s been a really great time,” Hayden said. “The professors and faculty are all incredible. We talk about some critical issues that we can do things about. They give us the skills, knowledge, and resources to be able to handle those issues after we graduate or even within the university.”

📷 by @ralpharvesen ...

Earlier this week, we celebrated #UT25, and we are looking forward to the talent and unique creativity each of you will bring this fall. We’ve got content planned this summer just for YOU, so follow along! Giselle Yoshimoto from El Paso, TX will pursue a Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences degree. “I chose Moody College because I believe that I will be immersed in a diverse community where I will be able to delve into the importance of communication while developing a strong foundation for my career as a future speech-language pathologist. I am studying in the field of communication because I want to help individuals build confidence in their speech and develop fundamental communication skills.” Continue tagging us in your #GoneToTexas photos, and we will highlight you. ...

#WhyMoody: Today we are featuring @utcommstudies Ph.D. candidate Anastazja Harris from Goldsboro, NC. As an undergrad, Harris fell in love with communication research and loved the idea of being able to pursue a career where she can teach, research and mentor students. “I knew that by choosing Moody College, I would have access to faculty who could train me on various research methods and teaching strategies while also providing mentorship. I was also excited to join a department where I could take an active role in planning events and collaborating on research projects.” Her research focuses on workplace technology, team communication, and organizational hiring practices. “My current research projects address how individuals' knowledge of artificial intelligence impacts their behavior and decision-making during human-AI interactions.” She also enjoys teaching students about how to improve their communication and teamwork. “I love hearing about how students take what they've learned and used it to change the structure of their student org, to perfect their speech for a business pitch, or even to help them get a job. Communication is a part of all our lives, and being able to help people improve their communication skills is exciting to me.” ...

#MoodySpotlight: Hailey Shuman is a Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences major from Chicago, IL. She works alongside Dr. Wang in the Speech Disorders and Technology Lab, researching the effects of motor speech disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and its implications on communication. “The Moody College of Communication has provided me with all the tools needed to be a well-rounded student, learner, and future health professional. I am thankful for all the different role models that have guided me throughout my undergraduate career, such as my professors and all of the graduate students apart of Moody that dedicate their time to being helpful resources. The learning environment at Moody is unlike any other; it is positive, supportive, resourceful, and has made me feel prepared to take the next steps in my career.”
📷x Yulie Yakir ...

#WhyMoody: This week we are featuring @utcommstudies Ph.D. student, Delaney Harness. After completing her master’s, she realized how much she loved research and being around other people that love to learn and ask questions. “Moody has some of the best faculty in the world, and I knew I’d have incredible research opportunities.” Harness is studying collective action in human rights and sustainability networks and through a grant, she’s looking at issues of transparency and sustainability in the United Nations Global Compact. “I hope that I’m teaching students to be good citizens and independent thinkers. I love those moments where a class really clicks for students.” ...

#MoodySpotlight: @utexasrtf student Summer Fathke remembers crying in the bathroom stall at her job, senior year of high school because she got accepted into Moody College. She didn't think she would be accepted at UT and had already paid for student housing at a different university.

Now, in her junior year, she believes that #TEXASMoody has prepared her to do great things as she plans to pursue a career in production design and filmmaking.

With experience in several projects both behind the camera and as a freelance makeup artist, Sathke is also preparing to pitch a tv series to a production company during her time in the UTLA program next semester. And because of this, she's optimistic about her future.

“I went into film because I like to do a lot of things,” Fathke said. “I know wherever I end up in the industry I am going to be happy. Moody has done everything it has been able to do for me. I can tell they really do care about us. They really do try to get us as experienced and skilled as possible before we’re done here.”
📷x @_martin.montalvo_ ...