SCSD Doctoral Students and Faculty Present at the SSSR Conference

Posted by Isabelle Krukoski on

On July 16-19, 2025, eight doctoral students and faculty from the School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD) presented at the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (SSSR) conference in Calgary, Canada. Among the attending doctoral students were Ashley Ippolito, Audrey Hendrix, Jasmine Smith, and 2024 graduate Dr. Kiana Hines. The presenting SCSD faculty included Drs. Hugh Catts, Carla Wood, Sana Tibi, and Shannon Hall-Mills.

“As a first-year doctoral student, I think that the conference offers so much for younger scholars like me in the form of cutting-edge research presentations, international connections with other literacy researchers, and opportunities to display the research we undertake at Florida State,” shared Hendrix.

The SSSR annual conference aims to advance reading as a scientific study through the dissemination of knowledge about reading, language, and literacy. SCSD’s presenters covered topics such as reading anxiety, literacy environments, and linguistic educational supports through their seven presentations.

“Presenting a diverse range of research at a prestigious and competitive scientific conference is both an honor and a meaningful milestone. It provides a valuable platform to share findings, engage with leading scholars, and receive insightful feedback that strengthens the work and advances the field,” said Tibi.

Tibi also emphasized the significance of researchers and scholars addressing literacy challenges through their work. Through her presentation, Tibi hoped to contribute rigorous and impactful research that both enriches the existing SSSR field of knowledge and offers fresh perspectives on literacy and intervention.

“The shared global commitment to addressing literacy challenges was striking. It reinforced the sense of community and collective purpose among researchers across diverse contexts,” said Tibi.

Looking forward, SCSD aims to continue making progress in the reading sciences field through academia, research, and community engagement.

“Between CCI and other FSU departments, our university had a noticeable presence in the research endeavors showcased at SSSR this year,” said Hendrix.