I teach two core courses: Medical Aspects of Disabilities and Foundations of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. In addition, I serve as mentor and program advisor to 10–12 graduate students, guiding their independent research as well. I am the director of an RSA training grant that supports the education of several graduate students in our program. Alongside my academic role, I also work as a rehabilitation counselor in the Acute Inpatient Unit at UNC Hospitals, Hillsborough campus.

My research focuses on factors influencing chronic disease management, treatment adherence, and transition readiness in adolescents with diabetes. I aim to support children and adolescents in developing the skills and confidence to manage their condition and live comfortably with a chronic health issue. In collaboration with the UNC Pediatric Diabetes Program, I recently completed a study examining how household chore participation impacts disease management and transition readiness in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Dr. Micheal Sandbank is an internationally renowned expert on early interventions for children on the autism spectrum. She is the lead researcher on Project AIM, a comprehensive and ongoing meta-analysis of all nonpharmacological interventions designed for young autistic children, which was selected as one of the Top Advances in Autism Research in 2020 by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Her work has been published in prestigious journals such as The BMJ, JAMA Pediatrics, and Psychological Bulletin and has informed clinical guidelines on the care and support of autistic children and their families.

Jared’s research interests include better understanding of sport science applications in collegiate athletics, focusing on wearable technology, biomechanics, and athlete monitoring. 

I design and deliver accessible, student-centered instruction in radiologic sciences, with a focus on helping adult learners build confidence in complex clinical and technical concepts. My work blends theory with real-world application, using analogies, visuals, and formative assessment to make radiography content clear, engaging, and relevant from day one. I specialize in curriculum development that anticipates student confusion, scaffolds learning step-by-step, and integrates transparent rubrics and actionable assignments.

Areas of Interest:

Neuroimaging, neuroplasticity, and neurorehabilitation.

Audrey’s research interests include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and literacy instruction in schools. She is interested in parent-teacher-SLP coaching, how AAC users advocate for themselves, and alternative access methods such as eye gaze.

Audrey has furthered her education by obtaining a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and a North Carolina Speech-Language Pathology License.

I’m a registered diagnostic medical sonographer with experience in abdominal, OB/GYN, pediatric, and vascular imaging. Before moving into teaching, I spent years working in clinical settings and now I get to combine that real-world experience with my passion for helping students succeed.

In our program, I focus on making learning practical, hands-on, and connected to what you’ll see in the field. You’ll find I’m big on real patient cases, tips you can actually use in clinic, and creating an environment where questions are always welcome. My goal is to help you leave here confident, prepared, and excited about your career in sonography.