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. “
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.“
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.”
Emma Riedel
Emma is a first-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at the University at Buffalo. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University. Emma joined the CADL team in January 2026. During her undergraduate studies, she was involved in AAC-related research, which deepened her interest in the field. Outside the lab, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and working out.
Olivia Zadvinskiy
Olivia is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology Program at SUNY Buffalo. She is a licensed Speech-Langauge Pathologist Assistant in Massachusetts, where she has worked with more than 65 students across five schools in both urban and rural environments. Olivia is excited to gain research experience at the Communication and Assistive Device Laboratory and contribute to work exploring how AAC technology can better support individuals with complex communication needs.