Emily Quigley Is All (For) Ears
Scholarships help doctor of audiology student change lives
By Sarah Shebek
Hearing loss is the third most chronic physical condition in the U.S., twice as prevalent as diabetes or cancer.
That’s why students who pursue career in audiology, like Emily Quigley, are essential. Audiologists have clinical doctorates and provide all the necessary hearing tests to provide the best solutions for hearing loss.
Quigley is a musician who received a dual degree in music and communication sciences and disorders at the U. She started playing the cello at age four and knew a career in audiology would combine her love of music and helping others.
“I have always had a natural appreciation of music, and I’ve been drawn to the medical fields,” she said. “My love of music taught me how powerful the sense of hearing is and how it improves your quality of life.”
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When it came time to apply for graduate school, Quigley knew she couldn’t beat the supportive environment of the College of Health’s Doctor of Audiology program.
“I decided to stay here because of the amazing faculty,” she said. “The professors and supervisors push you to become the best clinician you can be, but they’re also there to support you every step of the way.”
But graduate school is also expensive, and Quigley estimates she spends more than 50 hours between the clinic and the classroom each week. That leaves her barely enough time for a part-time job, and general scholarships are limited in the field.
When you donate to COH scholarships, like the Hardship Scholarship, you help Quigley and her fellow students spend less time worrying about money and more time perfecting their skills.
“I really appreciate donors who invest in our education,” she said. “Every contribution makes a big difference as we work to change lives and transform health.”
Quigley knows what it takes to transform health. She’s using her degree program to dramatically improve her clients’ quality of life.
“Every day I see people who are affected by hearing loss. It is so rewarding to watch their lives change immediately as they learn more about their condition and put hearing aids in."