For Communication Sciences and Disorders student Katelyn Rahe, attending the University of Iowa was always part of the plan.  

Growing up in Iowa, she knew she wanted to be a Hawkeye, and after discovering speech-language pathology through a health care careers course in high school, Iowa became the ideal place to pursue that goal. 

"I discovered the career of speech-language pathology after taking an introduction to health care careers class in high school," Rahe said. 

Drawn to CLAS's nationally recognized speech and hearing science program, Rahe found more than academic opportunities when she visited campus as an admitted student. 

While Iowa offers the opportunities of a Big Ten university, Rahe said her program provides a close-knit community where students can build meaningful connections with classmates and faculty. 

Over the past four years, she has found that community through organizations such as the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, the CSD Research Club, and the Student Academy of Audiology. 

"Everyone's so welcoming, especially the faculty," Rahe said. "You can tell they genuinely care and they want you to succeed." 

Beyond the classroom, Rahe has taken advantage of the department's undergraduate research opportunities. As the general lab manager for the Clinical Linguistics and Disparities Lab, she manages more than 50 members across three research projects, and contributes to a Spanish treatment study focused on bilingual children with speech sound disorders. 

These experiences, combined with supportive faculty and hands-on learning, have prepared Rahe for the next step in her academic journey and future career. 

"I've absolutely loved my time in the department and gained many skills and so much knowledge that I will carry with me as I pursue my career as a speech-language pathologist," Rahe said.

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