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SDSU’s Ainsley Jennieve Perez Earns Prestigious CSU STEM-NET Research Award & National Recognition

Monica Alarcon

 

Ainsley Jennieve Perez at the 2024 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention in Seattle, WA​.

 

​SAN DIEGO – San Diego State University (SDSU) student Ainsley Jennieve Perez has been recognized as a rising leader in speech-language-hearing sciences, earning the CSU STEM-NET Summer Student Research Award in spring 2024 for her research titled "Language Variation in Grammatical Production of Youth and Adults." As one of fewer than 10 students across the CSU system to receive this award, Perez's research contributes to a deeper understanding of language development in autistic adolescents and adults.

Reflecting on her experience, Perez shared, "Being awarded a CSU STEM-NET Student Summer Undergraduate Research Award allowed me to develop new skills for career pathways. My project focused on how the quality of measurement for language in autism shapes healthcare access. I have a better understanding of how language variation relates to clinical assessment, with broader implications for other areas in STEM (e.g., artificial intelligence). I would like to t​hank Dr. Teresa Girolamo for her continued guidance and mentorship in my research and academic career."

Her work has earned her multiple national and institutional honors, highlighting her dedication to advancing research and advocacy in speech-language sciences.

Ainsley Jennieve Perez National & CSU Recognitions

Perez's achievements have positioned her as an emerging expert in her field. Some of her most notable recognitions include:

  • ASHA Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP) Award: Selected as one of only four undergraduate recipients nationwide for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) MSLP program in 2024.
  • PROGENY Program Award: Recognized by ASHA as one of the top 10 undergraduate researchers for her outstanding research poster.
  • CHHS Travel Award: Received SDSU College of Health & Human Services funding to present her research at ASHA.

Research & National Presentations

Perez has shared her work at major national conferences, earning prestigious opportunities to present alongside leading researchers and professionals:

  • ASHA Visionary Session Presenter: Her research, "Unmet Service Needs and Barriers in Minoritized Autistic Adolescents and Adults," was selected as an ASHA Visionary Session, an honor given to only 4.5% of submissions (150 out of 3,300).
  • ASHA Convention Presenter: Presented her findings at the ASHA Convention, collaborating with faculty and peers.
  • Stanford Neurodiversity Summit Speaker: Co-presented with lab alumna Alicia Escobedo and community partner Kyle Greene-Pendelton on climate issues and community engagement in neurodiversity advocacy.

Leadership & Community Engagement

Beyond her research, Perez is committed to leadership and community-driven initiatives in speech-language sciences:

  • San Diego LEND Mid-Term Trainee: Selected for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) Program, a highly competitive interdisciplinary leadership training.
  • SDSU NSSLHA Leadership: Played a key role in securing two CHHS Instructionally Related Activities Awards to support student-led programming on health equity and autism research.

A Future Leader in Speech-Language Sciences

With groundbreaking research, national recognition, and a strong commitment to community advocacy, Perez is shaping the future of speech-language pathology, autism research, and health equity. Looking ahead, she shared, "I am helping develop new communication assessment tools that integrate nonverbal and verbal communication. As a future clinician, I hope to be actively involved in STEM research translation to improve healthcare for all." Her accomplishments set her apart as a promising leader in the field, inspiring future researchers and advocates.

Congratulations, Ainsley Jennieve Perez, on this well-deserved recognition!

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