Wesley Kephart

Graduate Student

Wesley is a second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program at the University of South Carolina. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in May of 2024 with a degree in Communication Science and Disorders. In the future, Wesley hopes to pursue a career in voice disorders and get his PhD! He is looking forward to building connections with his peers and being a part of the lab!

Christina Koenig

Graduate Student

Christina graduated in May 2024 from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biological Sciences. She began volunteering with the SC Family Experiences Study in 2023 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and later served as a Research Specialist from May 2024 to August 2025. Through her work with premutation carriers, she developed a deep appreciation for supporting individuals and families affected by genetic conditions and strengthened her passion for patient-centered care.

Christina is currently pursuing her MS in Genetic Counseling (Class of 2027) and continues her involvement with the SC Family Experiences Study as a Graduate Assistant. She looks forward to continuing to advocate for individuals and families affected by Fragile X premutation and full mutation as she prepares for her career as a genetic counselor.

Olivia Battaglia

Graduate Student

Olivia is a second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program at the University of South Carolina. She graduated from Purdue University in May 2024 earning a Bachelor of Science in speech, language, and hearing sciences. She is excited to gain more experience in a research lab and a clinical setting at the University of South Carolina! 

Miranda Dunkin

Graduate Student

Miranda is a second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program at the University of South Carolina. She graduated from USC in December of 2023 with a degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology. She is excited to grow in her knowledge of the field and gain insightful research experience.

Elizabeth Hanas

Graduate Student

Elizabeth is a second-year student graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program at USC. She graduated from Butler University in May 2024 with a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She is excited to gain more research experience and make connections in the lab!

Caroline Turknett

Graduate Student

Caroline is a second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program at USC. She graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders.  She hope to work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Fragile X, and she excited to gain more research experience and knowledge about this population!

Ava Springer

Graduate Student

Ava is a first-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program at the University of South Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology from the University of Tennessee in August 2025. Ava is excited to learn more about the field and gain experience in both clinical and research settings.