The HARL at the University of Memphis implements a team approach to our research. Each team member possesses complementary strengths and unique expertise. Our team has regular meetings when we update one another, share our ideas, reflect, and brainstorm about how to proceed with our projects. In this manner we are able to make individual contributions, learn from each other’s shared information and expertise, and encourage both individual and team successes
Jani Johnson, Au.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Director of the Hearing Aid Research Lab (HARL)
Email: jajhns10@memphis.edu
Jani Johnson is a research audiologist with a clinical background. She received a clinical doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) and a research doctorate in Audiology (Ph.D.) in 2007 and 2011 respectively, both from the University of Memphis (Memphis, TN). After a five year post doctoral position, Jani was hired to the tenure-track and now directs the HARL.
Her research interests include multicultural issues in hearing health care, hearing aid outcomes for older adults, and qualitative research design.
Her teaching interests include Amplification, Adult Auditory Rehabilitation and Aging, Counseling infused Audiologic care, and Evidence Based Practices in the Provision of Amplification.
Monique Pousson, MS CCC-A
Research Associate II
“It has been a pleasure working with the HARL team. It is a cohesive environment with motivated, friendly, fun team members.”
Monique has been a staff member at the University of Memphis since 1994. She began working with the HARL team in 2021.
Alireza Faghan, B.S.
PhD Student in Hearing Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Email: Alireza.F@memphis.edu
Alireza Faghan is a Ph.D. student in the HARL. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Audiology from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2023. He joined our lab at the beginning of his PhD program in 2024.
His research interests include enhancing speech perception in noise environments for hearing aid users, with a particular emphasis on the role of auditory processing in improving SNR.
Clinical Doctoral Students
Clinical doctoral students who work in the HARL assist with data collection, organization, and management. Their contributions to the lab are invaluable.
Isabel Martin, BA
“I am so excited to continue learning from all of the welcoming individuals in the HARL and am extremely thankful for the opportunity to participate in this research!“
Sarah Thurmond, BA
“I love working in the HARL and helping Dr. Johnson with our program’s hearing aid courses! I enjoy helping our new students learn about this part of our practice.”
McKenzie Sandroni, BS
“I absolutely love working in the HARL and learning so much from our wonderful team! I am so fortunate to have such amazing leadership and teaching here.“
Madison Rousse, BA
“It is such an honor to work with and learn from a team truly motivated by a shared goal of improving the lives of hearing aid users!”
Rose Perez, BS
“I am so grateful to be a part of the HARL and to work alongside such brilliant people in our field. I can’t wait to further my knowledge on clinical research!”
Tori Wolfe, BS
“I am so lucky to be a part of the HARL team, and I am excited to learn more about research in the hearing aid disciplines!”
Katla Anderson, BA
“It is such a pleasure to be involved in the HARL! I am so thankful for this opportunity to learn about research and gain a better understanding of audiology as a field!”
Technical Support
Ed Brainerd
Manager, Computer Systems Support
Ed has been a staff member at the University of Memphis since 1990 and has a background in Computer Science. He has been working with the HARL researchers as a software developer since 1991. Projects he has been involved in include the development of scoring software for the APHAB, SADL, ECHO, and DOSO questionnaires.
Hassan Saadat
Technology Coordinator and Network Administrator
Alumni
Lipika Sarangi, Au.D, Ph.D.
Rachel Huber, Au.D., Ph.D.
Emily Cotton, Au.D.
Hannah Rae Vaden, Au.D.
Ashley Morgan, Au.D.
Jaqueline Kim, Au.D.
Kristie Roberts, Au.D.
Abigail Stecker, Au.D
Olivia Naegle, Au.D.
Emma Brothers, Au.D.
Megan Hinson, Au.D.
Allison Hines, Au.D.
Ginny Acosta, Au.D.
Erin Gowen, Au.D.