ILAA at the IJAS Fair – May 9, 2009

Written by Natalie McKee, Au.D. 

Since 1998, representatives from ILAA have attended the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair in Champaign, IL to judge Audiology related projects. From a humble beginning of just $100 in prize money we have come to the present time with $600 in prize money, a legion of industry support, Au.D. students serving as superior judges, and the most gifted young scientists in Illinois. This year’s fair brought together 1300 students and approximately 100 special awards, including those awarded by ILAA.

 

 

Natalie McKee, Au.D., from the office of Bloomington-Normal Audiology, was joined by AuD students Laura Wagoner and Sarah Hyde from Northern Illinois University and Melissa Alexander, Christa Johnson, Jacqueline Busen, and Janet Han from Rush University. These representatives spent the morning judging these projects. There were 15 projects involving balance, hearing loss, noise exposure, the physics of sound, auditory memory and sound absorption. The judges selected four excellent projects.

 

 

Prize money donated by ILAA totaled $600, which was split amongst the winners. Additional prizes were provided by local manufacturers. These prizes included ER-6 earphones and advanced high fidelity earplugs from Etymotic and lunch bags and on-the-go accessories from Phonak, Siemens Hearing Instruments, and Sonic Innovations.

 

 

Our congratulations goes out to all of our winners! The Academy hopes to continue its presence at the IJAS Fair next year to educate these students and their families on the outstanding field of Audiology.

A goal of the Illinois Academy of Audiology is to promote the profession of Audiology to the public at large.  This is accomplished via a number of activities.

Career Fairs

Representatives of the ILAA attend high school and junior college job fairs whenever possible.  The ILAA Career Brochure was developed by the Public Relations Committee for use at such events. 

Click here to learn about the FREE Career Brochure Opportunity.

Click here to view a PDF of the Career Brochure.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships are awarded by the ILAA each year.  Our Post-secondary Scholarship is awarded to an exceptional hearing impaired high school senior who is pursuing post-secondary education.  High-school guidance counselors throughout the State are contacted regarding the scholarship, thereby increasing awareness of the profession.  Click here to view information about our recent Post-secondary Scholarship winners.