Dr. Christopher Constantino, an assistant professor in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, has been awarded an Advancing Academic-Research Careers (AARC) grant from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This award is designed to support academic-research careers of junior-level faculty in the field of communication science and disorders. Dr. Constantino was awarded one of ten $5,000 grants.
While studying at the University of Memphis, Dr. Constantino worked with Dr. Walter Manning, an expert in clinically oriented stuttering research. This provided Constantino with a strong foundation for his own research regarding stuttering. He has since conducted three studies and is eager to produce more. Constantino plans to use the AARC program to work with Dr. Michael Boyle of Montclair State University, an expert in the psychosocial aspects of stuttering, to achieve three primary goals; developing a systematic line of research, demonstrating increased competencies in disseminating research to audiences interested in stuttering, and identifying grant opportunities and developing a grant idea.
The AARC grant will also allow Dr. Constantino to serve as a mentor to students in FSU’s School of Communication Science and Disorders who will conduct master’s theses. “Teaching is one of the most gratifying parts of my job,” he says in his mentoring proposal. Constantino is excited to help his students grow as clinicians by helping them think critically about the material they are learning and expanding their experiences with clients.
Dr. Constantino also received an award from the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for $2,500 to fund a study he is conducting to measure the effects of stuttering identity on quality of life and well-being. The study will use the PACO phone application to conduct surveys with participants using the Experience Sampling Method. This means participants will fill out the surveys during their everyday lives. The award will be used to compensate participants. “These awards will allow me to conduct research that will help people who stutter reject prejudice and find value in their unique voices,” he says of this and the AARC awards.
Finally, Dr. Constantino has a book coming this fall titled Stammering Pride and Prejudice. The book, co-authored by Patrick Campbell and Sam Simpson, challenges the stereotype that stuttering is inherently negative. To read more or pre-order the book, click here.