Volunteer Spotlight: Courtney Glavin, AuD

What is your background in audiology?

I fell into audiology just like many people do. I have a family member with a learning disability, so I wanted to take a few elective classes on related topics as an undergrad. This led me to the communication sciences and disorders (CSD) department at Northwestern University. After taking a few classes in the major, I was hooked!

I finished my AuD at Northwestern and clinical externship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in 2013. I went on to work in research and development at a hearing aid manufacturer before returning for a PhD at Northwestern, the latter of which I finished this summer. I am now an assistant professor at the University of Washington. My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind acquired hearing loss—especially age-related—and improving diagnostic tools in audiology.

Why do you volunteer with the Academy?

In short, because of the professional connections and the chance to give back to and advance our profession. I’ve been volunteering with the Academy since I was an AuD student over a decade ago. Since then, I’ve gotten to know so many amazing audiologists through the Academy. Participating in the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), Jerger Future Leaders of Audiology Conference (JFLAC), and various committees/councils has been a big part of that. So has attending AAA Annual Conferences. I also want to see audiology continue to advance and thrive as a profession. We’re in the midst of an incredibly exciting time. Thanks to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, popular news media coverage, and bigger-name companies, people who previously never thought about their ears are starting to proactively think about their hearing health. Audiology can, and should be, at the forefront of all of this. While individual audiologists absolutely have a role to play, I believe that aligning as a united front will allow us to make the biggest impact.

What makes renewing your Academy membership important to you?

This is similar to why I volunteer. Continuing my Academy membership allows me to connect with other audiologists, stay informed on everything audiology, and access important resources. Just a few of the resources that I love include: the resume review service, compensation and benefits surveys, the Legislative Access Center, the annual conference, and leadership development programs like JFLAC. Being an Academy member allows me to be a part of something bigger, which is really important to me.

What is your favorite part about Fall?

Almost everything! The colors, the weather, the activities, the pumpkin-flavored foods (within reason), the start of the new academic year on campus, Halloween costumes and decorations (my three-year-old is really into all things spooky right now). Fall is my favorite season. 

What is your favorite music genre?

This is the toughest question here. I’m a little bit all over the place and will listen to almost everything. Some of my go-to artists: Sammy Rae and the Friends, Taylor Swift, Shakey Graves, The Revivalists, Coldplay. I just checked Spotify, which seems to classify my primary genre as “happy folk.” I’m okay with that.