The Team
From left to right: Hannah Bruene, Davina Hammann, Lucy Shapiro, Natalie Anderson, Dr. Nell Maltman, Savannah May, Dani Ferraro, Hannah Holguin, and Mariah Bowers. Not pictured: Laine Jenkins, Ariadne Chilinski, Emily Holcomb, and Julia Yanke.
Nell Maltman, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Nell Maltman earned her PhD from Northwestern University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the director of the Lifespan Language Lab. The focus of her work is how language, cognition, and genetics interact across the lifespan in individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and fragile X-associated conditions.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Natalie Anderson, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Natalie Anderson is a sophomore studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Hispanic Linguistics. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois but now lives in Tucson. Natalie hopes to become a Spanish-English bilingual speech-language pathologist and work with children. In her free time, she enjoys being involved in her church, hiking, and cooking.
Mariah Bowers, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Mariah Bowers is a Tucsonan studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She is in her senior year and plans to start graduate school next year to pursue her MS in SLHS. Mariah is excited to begin her career as a speech-language pathologist, helping people with speech and language challenges to improve their communication.
Danielle Ferraro, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Dani Ferraro is from Phoenix, Arizona. She is a junior studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with minors in Special Education and Rehabilitation, and Spanish. After Dani completes her undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona, she plans to go to graduate school. She hopes to continue her career path to be a clinician and own a private practice. Aside from school, Dani enjoys running, exploring restaurants in Tucson, and yoga.
Davina Hammann, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Davina Hammann is a sophomore majoring Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Korean Language. She volunteers with a university student-led nonprofit organization called "Giving a Little Arizona Magic" in her free time. In the future, Davina hopes to work as an speech-language pathologist abroad, exploring the world while helping those in need.
Lucy Shapiro, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Lucy Shapiro is from Scottsdale, Arizona. She is studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, as well as Care, Health, and Society at the University of Arizona. Lucy is currently in her fourth year at the University. She is so excited to be a part of the Lifespan Language Lab and hopes to further her goals of becoming a speech language pathologist during her time in the lab.
Volunteers
Savannah May, Volunteer
Savannah May is from a beach town just north of Seattle, Washington. She is currently in her third year but will graduate a year early this spring. Savannah is double majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, & Care, Health, and Society with a minor in Psychology. Savannah's goal for the future is to attend speech pathology graduate school in hopes of becoming a medical Speech-Language Pathologist.
Laine Jenkins, Volunteer
Laine Jenkins is a junior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with minors in Psychology and Public Health. She is originally from Washington state, but has loved calling Arizona home for the past three years. After completing her undergrad, Laine hopes to move back to Washington to pursue a graduate degree in Speech Pathology.
Hannah Bruene, Volunteer
Hannah Bruene is a junior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Psychology. She is from Des Moines, Iowa. Hannah hopes to become a clinical speech-language pathologist in the future!
Ariadne Chilinski, Volunteer
Ariadne Chilinski is originally from Lawrence, New Jersey. She is studying speech-language pathology and is passionate about working with kids. In her free time, Ariadne loves reading, going to the gym, and thrifting.
Emily Holcomb, Volunteer
Emily Holcomb is a Tucson native studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. She is working towards a career in Speech Language Pathology. Emily is especially interested in language acquisition and development. In her spare time, Emily enjoys trying new recipes and spending time with her friends and family.
Hannah Holguin, Volunteer
Hannah Holguin is from Tucson, Arizona. She is currently a Junior here at the University of Arizona and majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. After college, Hannah would like to become a Speech Language Pathologist and work with children in schools who have speech impairments or disabilities. Some of her hobbies include hiking and reading.
Julia Yanke, Volunteer
Julia Yanke is currently a third year student majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and double minoring in Special Education and Leadership Skills and Practice. She is graduating next winter and plans to attend graduate school in California to become a Speech-Language Pathologist! In her free time, Julia loves to tan by the pool, and cook for her and her friends.