HPS AuD student selected for prestigious research training program this summer

Olivia Montou has been selected to attend the Boys Town National Research Hospital Research Training Program in Omaha, Nebraska.

DENTON (UNT), Texas – Olivia Montou, an AuD student in the University of North Texas College of Health and Public Service Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Department has been selected for the Boys Town National Research Hospital Short Term AuD Research Training Program. It’s a three-month, full-time clinical or translational research training experience in the hearing sciences. She will work with Dr. Elizabeth Heinrichs-Graham in the Cognitive and Sensory Imaging Laboratory. Dr. Heinrichs-Graham is a cognitive neuroscientist by training whose work utilizes advanced neuroimaging methods such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) and structural MRI to identify the dynamics of brain function and dysfunction in children and adults.
Montou’s research traineeship also includes a monthly stipend and housing.
“This placement provides me with unique access to mentorship, resources and support to further explore my cognitive hearing science research interests,” Montou said. “As a first-generation student, I still experience bouts of imposter syndrome regarding my inexperience with higher academia and research processes. I am looking forward to dedicating time specifically to developing my research knowledge under a team of highly qualified individuals. Completing this program will be invaluable to my personal and professional goals.”
Dr. Erin Schafer, UNT audiology professor and director of graduate studies, says Boys Town produces some of the best research in the audiology field and that the department is very excited for Monotu.
“Olivia is an outstanding AuD student in our department, and the timing for this program is excellent given that she was just admitted into our Fall 2022 Ph.D. program in Health Service Research. We are so pleased that she will have the opportunity to gain significant exposure to research in such an awesome environment,” Dr. Schafer said.
Montou’s traineeship will begin this May.