Jennifer Lamfers intended to major in criminology upon entering Florida State University.  Then, she walked into the wrong room at freshman orientation.

It was a mix-up that made an enduring impression and why Lamfers (B.S. ’06) urges current students to keep an open mind when deciding their educational paths.

Lamfers had walked into the room for prospective School of Communication Science & Disorders students, and when she heard faculty member Selena Snowden speak about audiology, it more that piqued her interest.  She decided to switch her major to Communication Science & Disorders with hopes of pursuing a career in audiology.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from Florida State in 2006, Lamfers went on to complete a Clinical Doctorate in Audiology at A.T. Still University – Arizona School of Health Sciences.  She now works in private practice at Oro Valley & Tanque Verde Audiology in Tucson, Ariz.

“I specialize in pediatrics and geriatrics, so I see the whole gambit,” Lamfers said.

While audiology is not the main focus of SCDS’s undergraduate program, it did give Lamfers a solid foundation as she sought her doctorate.

“I really liked our anatomy courses at FSU,” Lamfers said.  “They was very helpful to have a head and jaw anatomy base because when I went to graduate school, it helped in the cadaver lab.”

One of the reasons Lamfers attended A.T. Still was the network she made at Florida State.  A professor at A.T. Still, who was a FSU alumnus, recruited her to the small, private medical college.

“The connections I made and the people I met at Florida State were incredibly helpful,” Lamfers said.  “I think that was a huge asset of going to Florida State.”

Lamfers also became interested in community outreach while at Florida State, where she volunteered at several schools for Leon County’s reading initiative.

“It helped me get interested in helping the underprivileged and that influenced me to do several medical mission trips where I would do hearing testing on children who otherwise did not have access,” Lamfers said.

Activities outside the classroom, such as her sorority and the Lady Spirit Hunters, also kept Lamfers busy during her four years in Tallahassee and she is grateful for every moment.

“All of my experiences at Florida State were so invaluable,” Lamfers said.  “I was so thankful for them all.  Even if you’re in a program where you feel you’re not getting out of it exactly what you want, there is so much more to learn at Florida State than just the coursework.”

Interested in how our program prepares students to enter a graduate program in either audiology or speech-language pathology? Learn more here.