We love our students and couldn’t do what we do without them! Meet our exceptional team.
Kiara Weber
Kiara is a recent graduate of the Speech and Hearing Sciences undergraduate program at the University of Buffalo where she also minored in American Sign Language. During undergrad, Kiara joined as part of the CADL team both transcribing videos as well as managing and processing participant data. She plans to continue in her discovery and learning of both conversation analysis and AAC production details.
“Working at CADL has allowed me to build professional skills and foster connections in a team with a clear mission. I’ve gained exposure to artificial intelligence and the role it can play in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. “
Teagan Steen
Teagan is a senior at the University at Buffalo majoring in Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in Health and Human services. She has worked at CADL as a student transcriber since February of 2024. In her free time she likes to play with her dog and go for long walks.
“I’ve learned that communication and teamwork are essential components of the research process. I attend biweekly transcriber meetings where we reflect on our work and discuss strategies for improvement.”
Peyton Tripp
Peyton joined CADL in 2024 as an incoming graduate student in the University at Buffalo’s Communication Disorders and Sciences program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Spanish from Nazareth University. With a strong interest in working with neurogenic populations in older adulthood, she is passionate about advancing equity in healthcare. Outside of CADL, she enjoys running, hiking, spending time with friends and family, and, of course, chatting and making coffee in the lab.
“Transcription has given me a much deeper appreciation for the smallest details in conversation: and the real, everyday barriers faced by people whose speech or communication styles differ from the mainstream. My time at CADL has strengthened my awareness of what equitable access to society and healthcare truly means, and I hope to carry these lessons into my future work.”
Samantha Skowronski
Samantha is a junior at the University at Buffalo, majoring in Speech and Hearing Science with a minor in Health and Human Services. She joined CADL in January 2025 as a student transcriber. A Buffalo native, Samantha is excited to enhance her academic journey while learning from the supportive team at CADL. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time outdoors and volunteering in the community.
“Through CADL, I have the opportunity to step into the field of communication sciences and have been able to grow within a positive environment. I have gained valuable insights into how research and society interact and how this can be used to positively impact people’s lives. This experience is deepening my understanding of my future field and the important role that research plays in it.“
Natalie Alfano
Natalie is a senior at the University at Buffalo, double majoring in Speech and Hearing Science and Psychology. She joined the CADL team in January 2025 and has enjoyed contributing ever since. Natalie plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, with the goal of eventually opening her own private practice. She is passionate about working with individuals with diverse communication needs and hopes to specialize in areas that align with her clinical and research interests.
“Being part of the CADL team has helped me grow professionally and personally. I’ve learned what it means to contribute to meaningful research and to be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team. Most importantly, I’ve been exposed to the diverse ways people communicate, which has increased my self-awareness and deepened my understanding of human connection. This experience has truly broadened my perspective on communication and its impact.“
Grace LaLiberte
Grace is a junior at the University at Buffalo, double majoring in Psychology and Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Health and Human Services. She joined CADL in January 2025 as a student transcriber. In her free time, she likes to read books, spending time with friends and family, playing volleyball, and being outdoors.
“Even though I’ve been at CADL for a few months, I feel so lucky to work with a positive, supportive, and fun team of individuals. Everyone shares a common goal of making a difference. Working in this field has shown me how communication shapes connections, and also how critical facial expressions and gestures are in understanding others”.
Rendia Smith
Rendia is a first-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University at Buffalo. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and joined CADL in Fall 2025 as a transcriber. With a strong interest in linguistic diversity and its role in AAC device usage, Rendia is passionate about exploring how communication technologies can better reflect and support diverse communities. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cake decorating, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and international travel.
“The work at CADL excites me and sparks curiosity about how much further AAC devices can be developed. I’ve especially been inspired by how research in this field can highlight the importance of linguistic diversity and representation in communication tools. This experience has encouraged me to think about the ways technology can better reflect the voices and identities of the people who use it.”
Claire Wang
Claire is a first-year graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology at the University at Buffalo. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Tunghai University in Taiwan and has enjoyed exploring different areas of research, from clinical studies at Taichung Veterans General Hospital to an independent study in the Child Language Development Lab. Her curiosity has led her to an interest in how artificial intelligence might support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Outside of her studies, Claire loves surfing, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and spending quiet time with the classics.
“I am deeply interested in how artificial intelligence can be integrated into AAC and in imagining what these technologies might look like in the future. The work at CADL has inspired me to think critically about how we can improve current AAC devices and better understand the essential role they play in the lives of patients. This perspective motivates me to explore ways technology can make communication tools more effective, responsive, and meaningful for the people who rely on them every day.”