By Bri Brands
Several CLAS students and faculty members from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) attended the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) convention from Nov. 20-22, 2025.
The convention, held in Washington, D.C., featured nearly 2,500 sessions for over 15,000 attendees, including talks and presentations by CSD faculty and students.
Along with educational development opportunities, two CSD faculty members were recognized by ASHA for distinguished achievements and contributions in their areas of research, teaching, and clinical activity.
Clinical associate professor Jennifer Brodell received a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contributions in Clinical Achievement, and assistant professor Philip Combiths received a Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs.
The Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contributions in Clinical Achievement recognizes “outstanding clinical achievement as an audiologist and/or speech-language pathologist who has been actively engaged in the direct provision of clinical services for a minimum of 5 years,” according to the ASHA website.
Brodell was recognized in the areas of provision of clinical services and advocacy and outreach.
Working alongside a psychologist from the University of Iowa Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, Brodell oversees interdisciplinary autism diagnostic clinics and works with Child Health Specialty Clinics to provide clinical services to children in rural areas.
Brodell is also ASHA’s State Advocate for Reimbursement for the state of Iowa, advocating for increased insurance coverage of speech therapy treatment and evaluation procedures.
Brodell said she was both proud and excited to be selected among a group of high-performing individuals.
“It means that the work we are doing is impactful,” she said. “We are providing the best services and advocacy efforts for patients, and that aligns with my overall goal as a clinician: to increase accessibility to services, and to make sure we’re advocating for as much coverage of those services as possible so individuals can receive those services without financial burden.”
Anu Subramanian, CSD clinical professor, highlighted Brodell’s contributions in her nomination letter on behalf of Brodell.
“She models exceptional clinical skills to her students, teaches them the rationale behind her choices, and facilitates the development of their clinical skills including critical thinking,” she wrote in her nomination letter. “Ms. Brodell is an innately talented clinician and is a pleasure to watch with her clients. Her ability to translate her clinical skills to students is a privilege to observe.”
Combiths is also dedicated to supporting the community through his work and research.
The Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs recognizes distinguished achievement and contributions in multicultural research, clinical service to multicultural populations, or multicultural professional education.
Combiths was recognized in the areas of multicultural research and multicultural professional education.
His research is centered on multilingual and multicultural preschoolers in the Iowa City area, helping to support their language development. He also developed the department’s Graduate Certificate in Multilingualism and Culturally Responsive Practice for graduate students in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Combiths was honored to be recognized, both within the department and on the national level, especially because community-based research does not always meet traditional expectations.
“I believe that [community-based research] is an important form of research, because it is centered on the communities involved rather than researchers from outside,” he said. “Seeing that being recognized at a national level is really important.”
Subramanian also wrote a nomination letter on behalf of Combiths, highlighting his achievements in the areas of multicultural teaching and research.
“He is very dedicated to his community and invested in their success and well-being,” she wrote. “In the process of researching, teaching, and mentoring in the areas of multilingualism and culturally responsive practice, Dr. Combiths has created a community of people who care about these areas and have the knowledge, skills, and attributes to effect change in the Speech-Language Pathology world.”
In addition to the awards ceremony, CSD hosted an open house and reception during the convention, inviting friends and alumni to attend and celebrate Brodell's and Combiths’ achievements.
Brodell, Combiths, and the other UI attendees spent the convention attending different talks discussing new clinical, research, and community-based initiatives, as well as giving presentations of their own.
Combiths said the convention is a great place to learn about what is new and cutting edge within each field, branch out into differing areas of expertise, and connect with colleagues, friends, students, and alumni.
“The one thing I love about ASHA is that it brings us together,” he said. “It’s the one time of year I know I’m going to see people in the profession that may live all over the country come together at one convention, and that’s really valuable.”
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