Aural Rehabilitation Lab

Dr. Brittan Barker is the director of the Aural Rehabilitation Lab at Utah State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Speech & Hearing Science and an M.S. in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Iowa. She loves learning, teaching, and talking about cognitive science… especially when it’s focused on human listening. Despite growing up in south Louisiana, since joining the faculty at USU she developed a deep love for the mountain west. So, when she’s not in the lab, you can find her out on one of the many trails in the Wasatch Valley with her family and dog.

Macall Walker is from Brigham City, Utah, and is in her first year of the Doctorate of Audiology program at Utah State University. She is currently the Lab Manager for the Aural Rehabilitation Lab. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders at Brigham Young University with a minor in Gerontology. In her free time, Macall enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outside, and trying new foods.

Cassie Allgrunn is in her second year of the Doctorate of Audiology program at Utah State University with an emphasis in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). She also received her B.S. in Communication Disorders and Deaf Education with a minor in American Sign Language from USU. Cassie is passionate about providing patient- and family-centered care and supporting communication across the lifespan, with a special interest in the pediatric population. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys playing the violin with her husband in the local symphony. 

Belén Gollaher is in her second year of the Doctorate of Audiology program at Utah State University. She completed her Bachelor’s at Brigham Young University in Communication Disorders with a certificate in Spanish. She is from Syracuse, Utah. She enjoys being outside with her friends and family and loves skiing, playing volleyball, and camping.

Sierra Trump is in her second year of the Doctorate of Audiology program at Utah State University.  

Michigan Peterson is in her second year of the Doctorate of Audiology Program at Utah State University. She completed her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from Brigham Young University in Provo. She is from North Ogden Utah. In her spare time, Michigan enjoys painting, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

Abby Berezay is in her second year of the Doctorate of Audiology program at Utah State University. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in addition to her ASL certification. She loves working with patients and hopes to bridge the gap between hearing healthcare and underserved populations in her future career. Abby loves the outdoors, spending time with her husband, and trying new foods.

Hailey Bell is from Tucson, AZ and is in her first year of the Doctorate of Audiology program at Utah State University, with an emphasis in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). She completed her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders at Brigham Young University, with a minor in Statistics. Outside of school, Hailey enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time outside.

Tony Saenz is from Thornton, Colorado and is in his first year of the Doctorate of Audiology program at USU. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Colorado College. He is excited to continue learning about aural rehabilitation in the lab and working with patients across the lifespan during his time at USU. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, watching Survivor, and trying new cafes and restaurants in town!

Emerie Jorgenson is a senior in the undergraduate program for Speech and Hearing Sciences with minors in psychology and human development and family studies. She has worked in the aural rehabilitation lab since her freshman year. She has enjoyed getting to be involved in research and the learning more about the field.

Jenni Funk is in her senior year of her undergraduate degree majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences. After graduation, she is planning on a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. She is planning to work with young children in an educational setting. 

Haley Murdock is an undergraduate student receiving her bachelor's degree in speech and hearing sciences in May 2026 here at Utah State. She has been in the aural rehabilitation lab since her sophomore year. She will be attending USU to pursue her doctorate in audiology starting in August 2026.

Kourtney Payne is an undergraduate student in the field of Speech and Hearing Sciences. She was born and raised as an Aggie in Cache Valley and has loved her time at USU. Kourtney loves using research to broaden her scope of the world and find ways to better care for others. She hopes to attend graduate school after she completes her bachelor’s degree.

Reece Peterson is in her last year of the Speech and Hearing Sciences program at Utah State, with a minor in American Sign Language. She has many interests for graduate school, including Speech- Language Pathology, Listening and Spoken Language, Audiology, and Deaf Education. In her spare time, Reece enjoys running, CrossFit, sewing, cooking, and playing the guitar.