Our Research Team

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.

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.


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.

“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 hearing aid programming and fitting!”

Courtney Harbaugh, B.A.

“I am looking forward to working in the HARL and exploring if older adults with hearing loss have a preference between OTC and premium hearing aids. I am excited to be able to apply the knowledge that is learned as a clinician in the future!”

Julia Nadeau, B.S.

“I’m excited to further my knowledge on hearing aids and dive into research that can improve the hearing experience for our patient population. I feel so fortunate to be working with such a great group of researchers and future clinicians!”

Kirstein Williams, B.A.

“I am so happy to have the opportunity to work in the HARL and further my learning in research on hearing aids. I am grateful to be part of a group of exceptional researchers!”

Technical Support

Hassan Saadat
Technology Coordinator and Network Administrator

Alumni

Rose Perez, B.S. Ed Brainerd
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.