People

Blas Hernandez is the Administrator of Research Operations for the Schaser Research Group and a graduate of the College of Agriculture at Purdue University. Being part of the Schaser Research Group allows Blas to expand his understanding of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and develop skills to explore the research field.

Blas is an advisor for several clubs as well as a fraternity on campus, focusing on fostering the future leaders of the world. His free time is usually spent training with canines, playing with his puppy, Kaspian, and appreciating the arts

Kaitlyn Dwenger, PhD is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She earned her PhD and master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University. Kaitlyn’s research has primarily focused on developing novel assessment methods for distinguishing neurogenic voice disorders. She merges her clinical research experience with new experiences studying animal voice and swallowing behavior as part of the Schaser Research Group. Outside of research, Kaitlyn enjoys walking with her dog, Wiley, and indulging in jars of pickles!

Brooke Rodgers is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the SLHS department and recently passed their preliminary examination. Brooke is interested in the motor function and acoustics of vocalization. They graduated with a BA in Physics and Music from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida in Spring 2021. Brooke loves cuddling and chasing their orange cat, Calvin, and going to Taco Tuesdays with friends!

Cynthia Choi completed her bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue with a minor in Psychology in Spring 2023. As part of the Schaser Research Group Cynthia hopes to build valuable knowledge and connections and facilitate learning in the research field. Cynthia has a special interest in the acoustics of vocalization and is hoping to develop skills in this area in the research lab.

Loxea Hipsky is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in ASL and Deaf Studies. Originally from a small town in Indiana, she is very excited to be somewhere with civilization. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, thrifting, and playing the viola.

Sarah Larson is a senior studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with minors in American Sign Language and Biological Sciences and a certificate in Gerontology. In the future, she hopes to work with adults as a speech-language pathologist in a hospital or nursing home setting. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, visiting the Great Lakes, and playing with her bunny, Jennie.

Sara Thompson is a second-year MS-SLP student in the SLHS department at Purdue University. She completed her B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her area of interest within the Schaser Research Group is studying and analyzing ultrasonic vocalizations within the mouse model. In her (limited) free time, she likes to read, hike, and find fun dinner spots with friends!