Aleah Keating, a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders, was awarded the FIREbird Student Research Grant from the Office of Student Research at Illinois State University. The grant supports undergraduate students with funds for Faculty-mentored Independent Research Experiences (FIREbird).

Her project, “Perceptions of Thickened Liquids in Normal Adults,” explores how people perceive the differences in taste and texture and to measure physiological effort and acceptance level when swallowing unflavored and flavored thickened liquids. Thickened liquid is often recommended to patients with swallowing disorders in order to improve their safety. Keating hopes that the findings of the project contribute to improving understanding and awareness of various thickened liquids and modifying their consistency to accommodate patients with swallowing disorders.

Dr. Taeok Park, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, is mentor for the project. Keating and Park will recruit participants for the fall semester of 2024. If you are interested in trying to taste the thickened liquids, contact them. The recruitment flyer provides more detailed information.

“I am very grateful to Dr. Park and the ISU Research Program for this exciting opportunity to explore more about my interest in thickened liquid and swallowing management,” Keating said.

Congratulations to Aleah!