Arnold Olszewski

Arnold Olszewski is an Associate Professor and Graduate Director in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Miami University, College of Education, Health, and Society. He is an active researcher and educator focused on early language and literacy development in young children, particularly those at risk due to poverty, health conditions, bilingualism, or disability. He leads the Children’s Acquisition of Language and Literacy (CALL) Lab, where he mentors students and conducts intervention research using single-case experimental designs, eye-tracking, and systematic reviews.

• Ph.D., Communication Sciences and Disorders – University of South Florida
• M.S., Speech-Language Pathology – Purdue University
• B.S., Psychology and Speech and Hearing Sciences – The Ohio State University

Dr. Olszewski's research centers on developing feasible, evidence-based interventions for phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, and syntax in preschoolers. His work emphasizes implementation science, ensuring that interventions are practical for real-world settings such as homes, schools, and clinics. He uses innovative methods like pupillometric eye-tracking to understand individual learning differences and promote data-driven decision-making.

His recent publications reflect a strong focus on early literacy interventions, stakeholder perceptions, and equity in research, particularly for linguistically minoritized communities. Trends in his work include the development of the Percent of Goal Obtained (PoGO) metric, exploration of technology in therapy, and critical analysis of social validity in speech-language pathology research.

• NIH Loan Repayment Program-Pediatric Research Award (2019–2021, 2022–2023)
• Advancing Academic-Research Careers Award, ASHA (2018)
• Miami University Senate Committee on Faculty Research Grant (2018, 2022)

Dr. Olszewski is deeply committed to mentoring students, having co-authored five manuscripts and 16 presentations with student collaborators. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, intrinsic motivation, and experiential learning. He actively involves students in research design, data collection, and dissemination, fostering a scholar-teacher model. While no specific grants are listed beyond internal funding, his NIH recognition suggests external research support. He is also affiliated with ASHA’s Special Interest Group 1.

He directs the CALL Lab, which brings together interdisciplinary researchers to design, test, and implement early literacy interventions. The lab emphasizes feasibility, sustainability, and equity, particularly for underserved populations. Researchers use mixed methods including surveys, experimental designs, and physiological measures to assess intervention effectiveness and engagement.