Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

Rachel Hopf, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a third-year Ph.D. student. Rachel began her journey with the IU Speech and Hearing Sciences department as an undergraduate and was the first student admitted to the joint M.A.- Ph.D. program. Her research, under the guidance of Dr. Karen Forrest, focuses on the production and perception of speech and voice in relation to individuals with neurologic disorders, such as Autism and Parkinson's disease. Rachel also participates in collaborative research projects with the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. These projects focus on increasing social competence in adolescents with autism and providing professional learning opportunities for educators of students with autism. Outside the lab, Rachel enjoys horseback riding and trying to stay in her cat's good graces.