Faculty
Dr. Jenn Holst, Au.D., CCC-A
Clinical Professor
Audiology Program Director
Office: SPA Building 68, Room 119
Education
- Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), 2004, Salus University
- Master of Science (M.S.), Audiology, 1999, Idaho State University
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Speech and Hearing Sciences, 1997, University of Wyoming
Professional Interests: Pediatric diagnostics including early identification, hearing conservation, auditory evoked potentials, ototoxins/otoprotectants, and otoacoustic emissions
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Reading, traveling, puzzles, cooking and creating desserts
Dr. Gabriel Anne Bargen, Ph.D., CCC-A/SLP
Interim Dean of the College of Health Associate Professor Executive Director-Meridian Health Science Center Program Director, PhD in Rehabilitation & Communication Sciences
Office: MHSC, Room 819G
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Audiology, 2010, University of Kansas
- Master of Arts (M.A.), Audiology, 2006, University of Kansas Medical Center
- Master of Science (M.S.Ed.), Education - Speech-Language Pathology, 2002, University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Communication Science and Disorders, 2000, Texas Christian University
Professional Interests: Pediatric audiology including disorders, hearing assessment and treatment. Assessing risks associated with hearing dysfunction in infants. Clinical application of auditory brainstem response (ABR) for hearing loss screening in newborns, infants and toddlers.
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Singing, reading, outdoor activities
Dr. Curtis Billings, Ph.D., CCC-A
Associate Professor
Office: SPA Building 68, Room 221
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Audiology, 2008, University of Washington
- Master of Science (M.S.), Audiology, 2002, University of Washington
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Speech & Hearing Science (Spanish Minor), 2000, University of Utah
Professional Interests: Auditory plasticity, hearing aid acclimatization, auditory training, speech perception in noise, auditory evoked potentials, brain-behavior relationships, and aging
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Camping, hiking, and family time
Kristina Blaiser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Professor
Office: Meridian Health Science Center, Room 808C
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Speech-Language Hearing Sciences, 2010, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Disorders and Speech Sciences, 1998, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 1996, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Professional Areas of Interests: Program evaluation and assessment of children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing, family coaching, telehealth models of service delivery
Personal Interests/Hobbies: time with family and friends, outdoor activities, music & reading
Dr. Jeff Brockett, Ed.D, CCC-A
Associate Professor
Audiology Admissions Coordinator
Office: SPA Building 68, Room 122
Education
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership, Instructional Technology, 2002, Idaho State University
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Special Education, 1998, Idaho State University
- Master of Science (M.S.), Audiology, 1987, Idaho State University
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Communication, 1982, University of Idaho
Professional Interests: Vestibular and Balance Evaluation, Wide Band Reflectance, Auditory Pathologies, Online Learning
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Photography, metal and woodworking
.jpg)
Dr. Spencer Cheshire, Au.D., MHA, CCC-A
Clinical Audiologist
Office: Meridian Health Science Center, Room 819G
Education:
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Healthcare Management, 2017, University of Minnesota
- Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.), Audiology, 2008, Utah State University
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Communicative Disorders, 2004, Utah State University
Professional Interests: Practice and Healthcare Management, Vestibular and Balance, Medical Aspects of Audiology, Hearing Conservation, and Hearing Aids
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Fly fishing, backpacking, camping, water sports
Dr. Chris Sanford, Ph.D., CCC-A
Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development
Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Office: SPA Building 68, Room 204
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2006-2009, Boys Town National Research Hospital
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Audiology, 2006, University of Washington
- Master of Science (M.S.), Audiology, 1999, Brigham Young University
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Audiology and Psychology, 1997, Brigham Young University
Professional Interests: Pediatric hearing screening and assessment including middle-ear diagnostic techniques (e.g., wideband reflectance) and otoacoustic emissions, translational research with goals of improving diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairment in pediatric populations
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking and cooking
Debbie Vieira, M.S., CCC-A
Clinical Assistant Professor
Externship Coordinator
Office: SPA Building 68, Room 108A
- Master of Science (M.S.), Audiology, 1997, Idaho State University
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology, 1992, Idaho State University
Dr. Mary Whitaker, Au.D., CCC-A
Professor Emeritus
Education
- Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), 2005, University of Florida
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Special Education, 1998, Idaho State University
- Masters of Science (M.S.), Audiology, 1986, University of Arizona
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Speech and Hearing Science, 1984, University of Utah
Professional Interests: Pediatric and Educational Audiology, Genetics, Distance learning, and Online learning.
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Golfing, fishing, gardening, reading, country skiing, hiking and college football.
Dr. Ron Schow, Ph.D., CCC-A
Professor Emeritus
Office: SPA Building 68, Room 308A
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Audiology, 1974, Northwestern University
- Master of Science (M.S.), Speech Pathology and Audiology, 1969, Utah State University
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Zoology, 1967, Utah State University
Publications
Professional Interests:
Dr. Josara Wallber, Au.D., CCC-A
Clinical Associate Professor Emerita
Education
- Doctor of Audiology (AuD) - 2005, Salus University
- Master of Science (M.S.) - Audiology. 1980. Idaho State University
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Speech and Hearing Sciences, 1975. Colorado State University
Professional Interests: Cochlear Implants, Usher Syndrome
Personal Interests/Hobbies: Weaving, hiking, sailing, lacrosse
