معرفی
Coral Dirks serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders within the University of South Dakota's College of Arts and Sciences. Her clinical expertise spans audiology licensure across four states and ASHA certification, with research focusing on military auditory health and newborn hearing interventions.
Educational background includes:
- Ph D in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota (2020)
- AuD in Audiology, University of Minnesota (2017)
- MA in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota (2016)
- BA in Communication Disorders, Augustana University (2013)
Her research investigates auditory processing in high-risk environments, particularly military blast exposure and speech-in-noise challenges across age groups. Recent work examines cochlear implantation outcomes for single-sided deafness and telehealth innovations in veteran audiology, bridging clinical practice with real-world military and newborn screening applications.
Dr. Dirks' publications reveal sustained focus on auditory trauma mechanisms and rehabilitation efficacy, with 2023-2024 studies analyzing blast overpressure impacts and age-related speech perception differences. This trajectory demonstrates growing influence in military audiology and clinical hearing science.
Notable recognition includes:
- ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional Award (2024)
- University of South Dakota President's Award for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (2023)
- ASHA Continuing Education Award (2024)
She directs multiple federally funded initiatives including Health Resources and Services Administration grants for Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (2023-2025) and Department of Defense research on blast-induced auditory deficits. Her presentations at the American Auditory Society and Defense Veterans Audiology Conference highlight collaborative work with military audiology teams on telehealth solutions and weapons-exposure monitoring.
Current projects involve compact speaker array development for hearing assessments and optimizing military audiology through telehealth innovations, positioning her at the forefront of operational hearing conservation research.
