Having received a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara, my original main topic of research was stuttering. My research focused on definition, treatment and recovery from stuttering in children and adults. I also studied other speech and communication disorders. This led to a series of new questions. What does it mean to select a treatment "goal" anyway? What does it mean to test an "intervention"? These questions don’t just pertain to speech pathology, but various other health related issues as well. I have expanded my interest into the areas of treatment research, efficiency, effectiveness, outcomes and evidence-based practice. Those who have various speech disorders have to deal with the task of doing their best to assimilate into society and live the best everyday life that they can. I conduct research on the effects of these conditions on daily living. I also focus on the links between neurophysiology and speech disorders, particularly stuttering.

I now have the privilege of being in a position of management over a talented group of hard-working individuals who share my passion for research in speech pathology and treatment. I was also honored to be elected a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This organization's mission, like mine, is to promote and foster excellence in professional practice and to stand up for those in need of care. In addition, I had the pleasure of initiating the Bothe-Marcotte scholarship with my husband, Steve, in 2011. It is for undergraduate students with cranofacial anomalies who have been aided by the efforts of speech pathology services. The scholarship also goes to students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving those with cranofacial anomalies as a career path.