Dr. Mario A. Landera (B.S. ’04) has been practicing in the field of communication science and disorders since 2007. However, it was when he was a teenager that he was diagnosed with a voice disorder and a speech-language pathologist not only assisted him in regaining his voice, but also inspired his career path.

Landera explains, “This experience drew me to want to become a speech-language pathologist so that I could help others with communication disorders achieve a better quality of life.”

Today, Landera is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology in the Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Speech Pathology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He specializes as a clinician, working with voice disorders, oropharyngeal swallowing disorders, and head and neck cancer speech and swallowing restoration. He also does clinical research in the ear, nose and throat department.

In addition to his work at the University of Miami, Landera recently began teaching courses at Nova Southeastern University on voice and swallowing disorders to graduate students.

Landera says, “I truly enjoy this opportunity as I am able to share my knowledge and experience in my areas of specialty to future speech-language pathologists.”

When he isn’t busy being an educator and helping people with communication disorders, Landera delights in a weekly tradition of cruising in his boat along the waters of south Florida with his family and friends. He also enjoys traveling internationally to be able to experience various cultures. Five years from now, he sees himself still thriving at the University of Miami as a clinician, clinical researcher and teacher.

To learn more about the School of Communication Science & Disorders at FSU, follow this link.