Rachel Blake
- LEND Audiology Trainee
Rachel Blake is currently a graduate student pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Her interest in auditory science was initially sparked during her undergraduate studies at SUNY Fredonia, where she worked as a research assistant investigating COVID-19-related hearing loss. Currently, she is engaged in a research lab focused on cochlear synaptopathy in animal models.
Rachel is passionate about the clinical application of research and direct patient care, having gained extensive clinical experience across the lifespan. In the pediatric domain, she has participated in the PHASE-UP community hearing screening program and completed placements at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Her interest in working with the pediatric population stems from an understanding of the importance of an early diagnosis and a plan for the child to have access to communication. Furthermore, Rachel feels an extra connection to LEND having family members with autism spectrum disorder. As a LEND trainee, training will continue to enhance her understanding of how to best support patients and families effectively. Recognizing patient's lived experience and implementing that perspective into clinical practice is a skill set developed in LEND that Rachel aims to bring into her future professional practice.
Education:
2019 - 2022 State University of New York at Fredonia
Bachelor of Science, Communications Disorders and Sciences, BS
2022- 2024 University of Pittsburgh
Masters in Audiology, MA