SLP ASHA Awardees
Cory Atkinson, M.A., CCC-SLP
April 16, 2026
Congratulations to three of our UT Southwestern Voice Center speech-language pathologists! The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognized their work and contributions with awards presented at its 2025 convention in Washington, D.C., last November.
Laura Toles, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, and Adrianna Shembel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (pictured right), were presented with Early Career Contributions in Research awards. This award acknowledges significant scientific accomplishments by individuals beyond their dissertation and/or within five years of receiving their doctoral degree.
Their work is highlighted in our 2026 newsletter and includes an update from Dr. Toles on her NIH-funded research investigating the role of personality and everyday voice use in influencing phonotrauma risk and recovery. Also featured is Dr. Shembel's work leading several groundbreaking NIH-funded research initiatives aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment of individuals with sensorimotor voice disorders.
ASHA also presented Melanie Turner Tice, M.S., CCC-SLP, with a Distinguished Early Career Professional (ECP) certificate at the 2025 convention. This honor recognizes speech pathologists within the first five years of their professional career who are making an impact in the areas of leadership, volunteerism, or advocacy at the local, state, and/or national level.
Mrs. Turner Tice's article describes high-resolution pharyngeal manometry as a new clinical service in the Voice Center.
We applaud our exceptional SLPs for their outstanding achievements and recognition by ASHA!