Student Profile: Abigail Linskey

Q: You are a Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences major. Tell us about your experience in the department so far.

I am a junior Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) major and a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. I am also an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Jill Hoover's Sounds2Syntax lab, a language lab here on campus. Currently, we are conducting a language study that focuses on children with Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Developmental Language Disorder, along with neurotypical children. Additionally, I recently became a research assistant for Dr. Nathaniel Whitmal’s lab, which is more hearing-based. I am so excited to be a research assistant for two incredibly fascinating labs; I am unsure of whether I will pursue speech-language pathology or audiology after I complete my undergraduate career, and I am extremely lucky to have the opportunity to explore both disciplines among my professors and peers.

One of the many benefits of SLHS is that Dr. Hoover and Dr. Whitmal’s labs are not the only ones. Several professors have labs where people in the major can be research assistants and gain hands-on experience. Lab work is a great method of applying the material from class to research.

I have been a teaching assistant for Dr. Yu-kyong Choe's Introduction to Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences class (SLHS 100) and next fall semester, I am going to be a teaching assistant for Dr. David Gooler's anatomy course (SLHS 211): Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms. Being a teaching assistant has been a great experience. It helps build my resume for future endeavors, is a fun way to get to know and assist people who are starting the major, allows me to work closely with professors and other teaching assistants, and I can revisit material I have previously learned. If a student has the opportunity to be a teaching assistant, I would definitely recommend pursuing it.

Q: Why did you pursue SLHS?

I am a transfer student. I started my undergraduate career at a small liberal arts college studying classics, which centers on the languages of Latin and Ancient Greek antiquity, and Ancient Roman and Greek cultures. After enrolling in my classics classes, I realized that maybe classics was not my calling. I initially thought that I wanted to be a high school Latin teacher, but the major did not feel right for me. I was confused; I did not know what to pursue.

Studying language was what drew me to classics. I love diving into language and word etymology. It is fascinating to learn about word origin and how we speak, which is one of the many reasons I could not get enough of my anatomy class with Dr. Gooler last fall. I frequently go on tangents about connections between classical languages and English! Along with language, I enjoy science. I took numerous AP science classes in high school, which led me to wonder how I could bridge my interests in science and language together.

Through searching for ways to incorporate my interests into my studies, I ended up finding speech-language pathology. I then started researching how to become a speech-language pathologist and began finding programs. This major is the perfect intersection of science and language. Additionally, I can help improve people’s quality of life. I am excited to give back to people in the form of my career.

Q: What made you decide to transfer to UMass?

I’m a Massachusetts resident, and I heard amazing things about UMass Amherst! I was researching the SLHS major and reading through the curriculum and the different courses. It was like a light bulb went off in my head. I found classes that spoke to me. All of my interests perfectly intersected in the form of this major. I applied and was accepted into both the major and the Commonwealth Honors College.

I transferred to UMass mid-year in Spring 2023 and will be graduating a year early. I could not have made a better decision for myself. Whatever career I pursue, I know I will be extremely happy and prepared because of this program.

Q: What are some of your favorite things about SLHS?

It is a small major, so I see the same people in all of my classes, which creates a tight sense of community! All of the professors know their students, and the students know them. They care about us and genuinely want to see us thrive. Many of my closest friends at UMass are SLHS majors! This semester, most of us have three consecutive classes in the same classroom.

There are so many course offerings for students. A lot of SLHS majors have other majors and minors outside of the program. I am minoring in education, and some of my friends are psychology minors or specializing in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services.

Everyone in the SLHS department wants students to succeed. I have undoubtedly found my community here and could not be happier.

Q: What advice would you give a new SLHS student?

Be open! Introduce yourself to your professors and classmates. You are going to be together for most of your classes. Say yes to new opportunities, and take advantage of all of them. Do not be afraid to talk to peer advisors, upperclassmen, and professors; they are great resources when you have questions about classes or concentrations. I would also tell them to get involved. The National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is a popular club among the SLHS majors! Anyone is welcome. Come to a meeting! We are so excited to meet you.