Research Specialists
Blythe Vickery
MS-CCC-SLP, CLC
Project Coordinator
Blythe is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist with three years of research experience spanning both her undergraduate and graduate tenures at the University of South Carolina. Blythe previously served as a research assistant in the Speech Perception Laboratory under then-faculty member, Dr. Daniel Fogerty. As a recipient of the 2020 ASHA SPARC award, Blythe completed graduate research culminating in a master’s thesis investigating factors affecting misperceptions in multi-talker babble in older adults both with and without hearing loss. Blythe is excited to expand her research base, her knowledge of Fragile X syndrome, and the individuals whom it affects while utilizing her clinical skills to further the mission of the SC Family Experiences Laboratory.
Joshua Estrada
Research Specialist
Joshua graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Experimental Psychology in May 2023. He is interested in psychological assessment and wants to develop his skills in that area of research so that in the future he can help those who might need it.
His previous lab work experience includes:
Brain Research Across Development Lab: Dr. Caitlin Hudac
Zaynab Khan
Research Specialist
Zaynab graduated in 2022 from Columbia College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She previously obtained a phlebotomy certification and has experience working as a medical scribe. She is interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling.
Christing Koenig
Research Specialist
Christina graduated in May 2024 from the University of South Carolina with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biological Sciences. She began volunteering in the SC Family Experiences study in March 2023 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and is excited to serve as a Research Specialist and further her understanding of the FMR1 premutation and its impact on aging. Throughout her time as an undergraduate, she has served as a volunteer crisis counselor, an ESOL tutor, and held many peer leadership positions on campus. She hopes to one day pursue a degree in Genetic Counseling.
Nhi Ngo
Research Specialist
Nhi graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Neuroscience in May 2024. She has 2 years of previous research lab experience as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab under Dr. Jane Roberts and is currently developing her senior thesis studying implications of heart activity with parenting stress observed in mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome to a published journal. During her time as an undergraduate, she also served as a Supplemental Instruction Leader in Calculus and Chemistry and held leadership positions in the Genetics Club and Esports Club. Nhi is excited to delve deeper into the field of research and expand her experiences and understanding of individuals with Fragile X syndrome. She aims to pursue a Master’s in Genetic Counseling to become a genetic counselor with a passion for teaching and helping others.