Speech and Hearing Sciences

Jessica Steinbrenner is a speech-language pathologist and autism researcher. Her research focuses on improving access to high-quality, evidence-based interventions for autistic individuals across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on communication and social development. Drawing on my background as a speech-language pathologist, she collaborates with educators, families, and service providers to develop and evaluate practical, strengths-based programs that can be implemented in real-world settings such as schools and communities. Her work spans preschool through young adulthood and is grounded in both scientific rigor and real-world relevance. Her main areas of research interest include the development and testing of school- or community-based interventions, the identification and dissemination of evidence-based practices (EBPs), and the creation of reliable tools to measure progress in naturalistic settings.

Faculty Mentors

As an audiology professional and educator, I engage in both teaching and clinical practice, guiding students both in the classroom and in hands-on clinical settings. My work encompasses comprehensive audiologic diagnostics, including the assessment and intervention of hearing and balance disorders. Central to my approach is the philosophy of patient-centered care, which I both practice and teach—focusing on empowering individuals to live well with hearing and balance-related challenges. By integrating clinical expertise with compassionate education, I strive to prepare future clinicians to deliver holistic, empathetic care that truly supports patients’ quality of life.

I provide comprehensive audiology services focused on diagnosing and treating hearing loss, while also precepting and mentoring students to prepare them for clinical practice. My work combines patient-centered care with hands-on training to support both individual patients and the next generation of audiologists.

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Jessica Steinbrenner

Year of Matriculation

2023