Sarah H. Szynkiewicz

Sarah H. Szynkiewicz, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Samford University's School of Health Professions, where she joined in 2020. A certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Full Member of the Dysphagia Research Society, she holds advanced clinical and research credentials in swallowing disorders.

Education:

• PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders, James Madison University
• MS in Speech-Language Pathology, James Madison University
• BA, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Her research program centers on dysphagia rehabilitation across the lifespan, with emphasis on innovative applications of motor imagery and tongue strengthening exercises. She bridges clinical practice and exercise physiology to develop evidence-based therapeutic interventions for both pediatric and adult swallowing impairments, maintaining expertise as a FEES and VFSS diagnostician.

Recent publications (2016-2020) reveal consistent focus on motor imagery efficacy, with randomized trials in older adults, feasibility studies in clinical populations, and surveys of practitioner adoption. Her work demonstrates methodological diversity across clinical trials, case series, and translational research while maintaining core focus on swallowing rehabilitation mechanisms.

Scientific Awards:

• Encompass Therapy Grant Award (2020)

Dr. Szynkiewicz actively mentors undergraduate researchers, guiding presentations at national conferences including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention. Her grant portfolio includes the 2020 Encompass Therapy Award supporting dysphagia rehabilitation innovation, and she maintains active collaborations within the Dysphagia Research Society community.

As a trained FEES/VFSS specialist, she contributes to clinical swallowing assessment protocols and participates in interdisciplinary teams advancing evidence-based practice in communication sciences and disorders.