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Clinician–Researcher Connections: A PSHA Higher Education Discussion Forum by Akila Rajappa,PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Chitrali Mamlekar, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Eric Sanders, PhD CCC-SLP
Gayle Dede, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Paul Evitts, Ph.D, CCC-SLP
Available May 15, 2026- December 31, 2026 on the PSHA Virtual Learning Pass
Course Abstract
Time Ordered Agenda 5 minutes: Brief Welcome and Purpose 5-15 minutes: Introduction of Panelists 15-30 minutes: Why Collaboration Matters- Identify Benefits and Challenges of Collaboration 30-50 minutes: Moderated Panel Discussion 50-60 minutes: Final Thoughts/ Generating Partnership Ideas
Learning Objectives Identify benefits and challenges of SLP researcher-clinician collaborations for advancing evidence-based practice Describe effective models for initiating and sustaining SLP researcher-clinician partnerships across settings Apply collaborative research principles to generate a feasible researcher-clinician partnership relative to one's own practice
Speaker Biographies and Disclosures
Akila Rajappa,PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-SAkila T. Rajappa, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the College of Health Sciences, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, USA. Her expertise spans clinical service, teaching, and research in dysphagia and dystussia, with a focus on evaluating evidence-based practice (EBP) and advancing health literacy and health communication initiatives for swallowing, speech, and cough rehabilitation in aging, stroke, and neurodegenerative disease populations. Dr. Rajappa is an American Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S) and has extensive clinical experience across diverse medical settings. She is an active member of the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) and the International Federation of Neurorehabilitation (IFNR). In addition to her academic and research roles, Dr. Rajappa serves on the advisory board of the South Asian Caucus of ASHA and currently holds the position of Vice President for Professional Practice, Speech-Language Pathology, in the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA). Speaker Disclosures Financial Disclosures: Dr. Rajappa receives a faculty salary from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Her research is supported by Faculty Professional Development Council (FPDC) grants from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Non-Financial Disclosures: Dr. Rajappa serves as Vice President for Professional Practice, Speech-Language Pathology, for the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA). She is also a member of the Healthcare Telepractice Committee of PSHA and the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chitrali Mamlekar, Ph.D., CCC-SLPChitrali R. Mamlekar, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an assistant professor who specializes in neurogenic communication disorders and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Her primary research interest concerns designing and developing evaluation techniques for digital technology to make them truly accessible for people with neurogenic communication disorders and healthcare providers. Speaker Disclosures Dr. Mamlekar is a full-time employee at Misericordia University. She also serves as a faculty mentor to the student co-authors listed on this proposal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eric Sanders, PhD CCC-SLPEric J. Sanders is an Associate Professor and Interim Associate Dean of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Moravian University. He specializes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), child language, and literacy development. His current lines of research include exploring aspects of service delivery for children who require AAC and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Speaker Disclosures I am a salaried employee of Moravian University.
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Gayle Dede, Ph.D., CCC-SLPGayle DeDe, PhD, CCC-SLP is Associate Research Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She is also the Director of the Philadelphia Aphasia Community at Temple (PACT). Her research focuses on communication disorders in aphasia. One line of research is directed at understanding the underlying nature of language impairments associated with aphasia. The second line of work evaluates the effectiveness of treatment approaches for aphasia, with an emphasis on group conversation treatment. Speaker Disclosures Dr. Dede is a salaried employee of Temple University and does not have any non-financial disclosures.
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Paul Evitts, Ph.D., CCC-SLPPaul M. Evitts, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an associate professor and founding chair of the MS SLP program at Penn State Harrisburg. His primary areas of research and teaching interests include dysphagia, dysphonia, post-laryngectomy speech rehabilitation, and rural health. Speaker Disclosures Dr. Evitts is a salaried employee of Penn State University Harrisburg and does not have any non-financial disclosures
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