When Katie Martell began her graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Minnesota Duluth, she hoped to find a healthcare path rooted in science and human connection. She never imagined her research would bring her national recognition, but this fall, it did.
Martell was selected as one of a limited number of students nationwide to present her research at the 2025 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention in Washington, D.C.—one of the most respected professional gatherings in the field. Her work earned the distinguished Meritorious Poster Submission designation. This honor was reserved for only 59 out of 1,435 submissions (top 4 percent) that demonstrated exceptional quality, significance, and impact.
This achievement underscores Martell's dedication to advancing evidence-based practice and contributing meaningful insights to the profession. Her project, originally a graduate assignment, evolved into a meaningful investigation of how clinicians document Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) exams. FEES is a minimally invasive procedure that allows speech-language pathologists to directly visualize how a patient swallows.
FEES exams are often used with patients who are recovering from a stroke, living with neurological disorders, or experiencing swallowing difficulties that put them at risk for choking or aspiration. Because these exams inform critical decisions such as diet recommendations and safety strategies, clear, consistent documentation is essential for high-quality patient care.
Martell surveyed 86 practicing speech-language pathologists and found significant inconsistencies in how FEES exams are documented. Many clinicians lacked exposure to standardized rating scales, and some reported using no scale at all, often due to limited training. These findings point to a pressing need for better tools and clearer preparation across the profession.
ASHA reviewers recognized the relevance and potential impact of her work, awarding her a competitive spot on the national stage and distinguishing her poster among the highest in the country. Presenting at the convention became a defining moment in her academic career. “It felt surreal,” Martell said. “Professionals in the field were asking me questions and genuinely engaging with my research.”
The experience affirmed her passion for medical speech-language pathology and strengthened her commitment to improving patient outcomes. As she prepares for her upcoming acute-care externship, Martell hopes to use her research insights to advocate for stronger training expectations and more consistent documentation practices, turning a classroom project into a nationally recognized contribution to the future of swallowing assessment.
Article written by Sophia Sanchez, a UMD student who is studying communication and graphic design. Sophia assists Lissa Maki with communications for the College of Education and Human Service Professions.