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.
Associate 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.
Ph.D. 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. Ali is currently conducting research on the acoustic characteristics of various hearing aid features.
Isabel Martin, B.A.
Au.D., Ph.D. Student in Hearing Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Email: igmartin@memphis.edu
Isabel Martin is an Au.D., Ph.D. student in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at Calvin University in 2022. She joined our lab at the beginning of her clinical doctoral training, in 2022.
Isabel’s primary research interests are audiologic rehabilitation and counseling. She is currently working on her pre-candidacy project for her Ph.D., which involves studying patient motivation for attending group aural rehabilitation.
Micah Mbewe, B.S.
Ph.D. Student in Hearing Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Email: Micah.M@memphis.edu
Micah Mbewe is a Ph.D. student in the HARL. He began his work in the lab in January 2026 after earning his Bachelor of Science in Audiology from African Bible College in Malawi.
Micah is particularly interested in studying the relationship between cultural beliefs and hearing aid acceptance, and he is passionate about serving the elderly population in underserved communities.
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.
Katla Anderson, B.A.
Katla is from Nelsonville, WI. She attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she majored in Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is interested in helping patients through hearing aids, cochlear implants, and electrophysiology. Katla is completing her capstone research study in partnership with Courtney, studying adult preferences for prescription versus over-the-counter hearing aids.
Courtney Harbaugh, B.A.
Courtney is from Greencastle, PA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts for Psychology and Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, as well as a minor in Global Studies, at Temple University. She is passionate about hearing devices, vestibular testing, and auditory processing disorders. Courtney is completing her capstone in partnership with Katla, studying over-the-counter hearing aids.
Mira Milman, B.S.
Mira is from Memphis, TN, and went to the University of Georgia to receive her major in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Within the field of audiology, Mira is interested in geriatrics, electrophysiology, and the connection between audiology and public health. She is excited to get involved in hearing aid research with the HARL!
Anna Colby Counts, B.S.
Anna Colby is from Yazoo City, Mississippi. She attended Delta State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She is particularly passionate about geriatric care and hearing aids. She is completing her capstone in the HARL, studying barriers to aural rehabilitation (AR) and the potential benefits to providing AR online.
Lisa Dawood, B.S.
Lisa is from Tampa, Florida, and she attended the University of South Florida. She has a major in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Deaf Studies. Lisa is interested in research audiology, especially research pertaining to adults. She is completing her capstone research study in the HARL, studying the validity of a localization task that uses virtual reality.
Charley Peyton, B.S.
Charley is from Little Rock, AR. She went to the University of Central Arkansas and received a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Management. As a first-year student, she is excited to learn more about the entire field of audiology. She is especially excited to learn more about hearing aids working in the HARL!
Jordan Biddle, B.S.
Jordan is from Fort Smith, AR, and she received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Arkansas. Through her personal experiences with hearing loss, she has developed an interest in patient care/outcomes, hearing aid technology, hereditary hearing loss, and so much more!
Technical Support
Hassan Saadat
Technology Coordinator and Network Administrator
Alumni
Kirstein Williams, B.A.
Julia Nadeau, B.S.
Ed Brainerd
Rose Perez, B.S.
McKenzie Sandroni, Au.D.
Sarah Thurmond, Au.D.
Madison Rousse, Au.D.
Tori Wolfe, Au.D.
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.