معرفی
Katie Strong, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at Central Michigan University's College of Health Professions. She leads the Strong Story Lab and serves as the Midwest Regional Coordinator for Project BRIDGE. Dr. Strong is an ASHA Fellow and Tavistock Distinguished Aphasia Scholar who regularly hosts the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast.
Dr. Strong earned her PhD in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Western Michigan University in 2015, her MA in Speech-Language Pathology from Kansas State University in 1993, and her BS in Psychology from Washington State University in 1990.
Her research uses qualitative methods to explore how clinicians can support people with aphasia rebuild their identity and improve quality of life through co-constructing stories. The Strong Story Lab develops innovative interventions including songwriting projects, photovoice techniques, and narrative-based therapies that help individuals express themselves when traditional language is limited. Dr. Strong's work recognizes that 'words and language are the fuel that stories need to run' and focuses on creating alternative communication pathways for storytelling.
Dr. Strong's recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate consistent output in high-impact journals including the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Aphasiology, and Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. Her work spans storytelling interventions, mental health considerations in aphasia, care partner empowerment, and friendship dynamics for people with aphasia.
Among her notable recognitions:
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Fellow
- Tavistock Trust for Aphasia Distinguished Scholar Award
- Honors of the Association from Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Distinguished Contribution Award from Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Dr. Strong mentors numerous undergraduate and graduate students through the Strong Story Lab, providing research experience that often leads to conference presentations and publications. She teaches courses including CSD 432WI, CSD 439, CSD 540, SLP 717, and SLP 749, emphasizing the connection between narrative approaches and effective aphasia rehabilitation. Her lab creates opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research while contributing to the field's understanding of identity, storytelling, and quality of life for people with aphasia.
The Strong Story Lab conducts interdisciplinary research using innovative methods including songwriting (collaborating with music therapists), photovoice (partnering with researchers from Nova Southeastern University and University of Wyoming), and narrative interventions to help people with aphasia express their experiences and maintain social connections despite communication challenges.
حوزههای پژوهشی
