Generally, my work focuses on the inter-relationship between social factors influencing communication development.  I have studied the influence of culture, poverty, maternal-child interactions, maternal mental health, and disrupted development on child learning. Because of these broad areas of interest, I often engage in interdisciplinary research and seek collaborative relationships with educators, counselors, pediatricians, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and public health faculty as well as community leaders.  In particular, my line of research focuses on socio-cultural, socioeconomic, and social-emotional factors that impact children’s communication development. I am also interested in generational changes in undergraduate and graduate students.  These changes impact students’ learning needs and will guide future instructional adaptations.

Currently, I am working on three projects studying: 1) memory and social language development of internationally adopted children, 2) language development of internationally adopted children, and 3) generational shifts in learning attitudes and behaviors of undergraduate and graduate students majoring in communication sciences and disorders. I am also the founder for the International Adoption Clinic and often provide clinical consultation.

Several graduate students are working with me on a number of topics related to culture, social emotional behaviors, communication development in children, and generational changes in the learning behaviors of college students.  I enjoy working with students who have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to use research as an avenue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Contact Information:             
12 McGannon Hall
3750 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108-3412
PHONE: (314) 977-3380
FAX: (314) 977-3360
EMAIL: hwafroda@slu.edu