Laura Gaeta, PhD

Laura Gaeta, PhD, is the 2026 recipient of the American Academy of Audiology’s Outstanding Early Career Award. Dr. Gaeta earned her PhD from the University of Oklahoma in 2017 and began her career at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), where she has become a transformative leader in audiology education, research, and service.

Dr. Gaeta was selected to develop CSUS’s new AuD program. As the first full-time faculty member, she designed a multi-course, comprehensive curriculum, created policies, established clinical placement agreements, and secured approvals for accreditation. The program opened in 2020 and has continued to expand under her leadership. Dr. Gaeta now serves as Program Director and Graduate Coordinator. Since 2021, she has taught 16 courses and mentored 23 AuD student capstone projects. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship has been recognized with CSUS’s Outstanding Teaching Award (2025) and a student-nominated award for inclusive mentorship (2024).

Dr. Gaeta’s research addresses critical issues in aural rehabilitation, gerontology, bilingual speech perception, and equitable hearing healthcare delivery. She has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, three textbook chapters, and delivered nearly 120 presentations at national and international conferences, including Featured Sessions at AAA. Her scholarship has been honored with CSUS’s Outstanding Research Award (2023) and reflects her commitment to advancing patient-centered and community-responsive audiologic care.

Dr. Gaeta has also provided extensive professional service. She currently serves as President of the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology and Vice Chair of the ACAE board. She has contributed to the American Academy of Audiology through council and task force service, co-authored ASHA’s statement on person-centered care, and held leadership roles in HLAA (California) and the British Society of Audiology. In addition, she has served on editorial boards and delivered more than 30 invited presentations to community and professional audiences.

Dr. Gaeta’s accomplishments in education, research, and service demonstrate her exceptional leadership and dedication to the profession. The American Academy of Audiology is proud to recognize Dr. Laura Gaeta as the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Early Career Award