Investigator
Lab Manager and Project Coordinators
Emily Kemp
Emily Kemp is a Research Project Manager for the ARCCH lab. She earned her Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Professional Writing in May 2025 from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she was able to work as a research assistant, a teaching assistant, and as a co-producer/screenwriter on a documentary. She obtained her BA in International Studies in 2022 from UTC as well. She will be assisting with research in healthy aging and neurorehabilitation and is interested in how speech and language can be useful tools in this research.
Lab Members (Graduate)
Madi Baller
Madi is a second-year graduate student at Washington State University studying Speech-Language Pathology. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2024 with a BS in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Madi’s research explores the relationship between mental health and cognition in older adults. Upon graduation, Madi plans to work with young children as an early intervention speech-language pathologist.
Janelle Wilson
Janelle is a second-year graduate student in the Speech & Hearing Sciences program at Washington State University. She is passionate about working with older populations and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Her research investigates the barriers to older adults with hearing loss accessing and utilizing hearing aids. She plans to continue working with older adults post-graduation as a speech-language pathologist in a long-term care facility.
Hannah Rae Tjelle
Hannah Rae is a second-year graduate student in Speech and Hearing Sciences, previously earning a BA from Whitworth University in 2020. Her research in the ARCCH lab focuses on the intersection of mild cognitive impairment and behavioral change after client education. Hannah Rae is committed to increasing person-centered care for those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and plans to work with adults with cognitive-communication, and swallowing impairments after she graduates.
Lab Members (Undergrad)
Hallie Walsh
Hallie Walsh is a first-generation, fourth-year undergraduate student at Washington State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences and has obtained a minor in Psychology. She is interested in the effects of brain injuries and mental health awareness in a hospital setting after graduate school. Her current research is on the effects of traumatic brain injuries on speech.
Solveig Anderson
Solveig is a senior undergraduate student in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Washington State University. She is studying to become a speech-language pathologist with the goal of opening her own practice someday. She is interested in researching how intervention can help improve the lives of people with brain damage or cognitive impairment. Solveig is passionate about studying language and is excited to use her skills to help children and adults communicate with others and find connection in their community.
Consuelo Munguia
Consuelo is a first-generation 4th year undergraduate student from Yakima, Washington at Washington State University pursuing degrees in speech and hearing sciences and psychology. Her interests are in stigmas in mental health and cognitive disorders within underrepresented communities. In graduate school, she would like to pursue research on early intervention with cognitive decline. Hoping to change generational perspectives with cognitive disorders building a safe space for those underrepresented.
Hailey Lengenfelder
Hailey is a senior in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Human Development at Washington State University. She enjoys working with children and is interested in how communication is affected by changes in the brain. She is excited to gain experience in adult-focused research and looks forward to contributing to projects that support individuals with cognitive-communication disorders.
Emmanna Lo
Emmanna is a fourth-year undergraduate student in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Washington State University. In graduate school, she will be studying to become an audiologist with the goal of working in adult settings. She is excited to support individuals with cognitive disorders through her community and research efforts.
Athena Kuah
Athena Kuah is a senior undergraduate student in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Washington State University. As a hard-of-hearing individual pursuing a career in audiology, she is passionate about supporting others with hearing differences through inclusive and empathetic care. Her academic interests center on the neurological foundations of speech and hearing, particularly how brain damage affects communication. She is eager to gain clinical experience with adults and ultimately apply these skills to help children discover their voice, access sound, and build meaningful connections.
Olivia Amato
Olivia is a junior at Washington State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She aspires to continue her education in graduate school and pursue a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Her academic and research interests center on the intersections of speech, hearing, and cognition, with the long-term goal of contributing to the development of prevention strategies for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.
Erin VanDerVerff
Erin is a post-baccalaureate student in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Washington State University and is studying to become a speech-language pathologist. She has a BA in Psychology from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. She is interested in researching the relationship between communication and cognition as well as the development of measures or interventions for those with brain damage or neurodegenerative diseases. Erin is excited to further her skills and knowledge in the lab as she desires to work with adult populations after graduate school.
Lab Photos
BRAIN-FIT SHS Team
BRAIN-FIT UG Team
BRAIN-FIT Fun
BRAIN-FIT
Community Screenings
BRAIN-FIT Nursing Team
Past Students
Sophia Butterly
Post-bachelor student; graduated May 2025