Clara Raab

Clara Raab is an audiology doctoral student from Elma, WA

Hometown: Elma, WA

High School: Elma High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be an optometrist because I have pretty poor vision and the role models I had in that field were so amazing. However, I switched paths to audiology after I found out optometry was not a good fit for me, and I'm having a blast!

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I decided to pursue a doctoral degree in audiology, which is the study of hearing and balance. My background in music really helped push me to this field, as now I'm able to work with musicians, kiddos and adults of all ages to help them in their hearing health care journey.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
I completed my doctoral capstone in spring 2024. It consisted of finding out if adjusting certain technological parameters would result in better perception of music through hearing devices. I completed my bachelor's degree in music and have always been interested in research. Being able to tie my two interests so closely together was very rewarding and will continue to help advance our understanding of listening perception.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
I was able to connect to different departments and learn about the process of applying for grants for funding, as well as execute a pilot study under the guidance of a superb faculty team. I had the lovely opportunity to talk to all kinds of participants about their experiences with music as well, which really made it all worthwhile. It truly made my last academic year at NIU super rewarding!

How will your research experience help you in the future?
I now have the ability to understand the different components necessary for conducting research, especially the grant funding. If I decide to pursue a research degree or contribute to the academic field in some way, I now have that skill tucked away in my tool belt.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
The audiology faculty at NIU helped me conduct and complete this study, particularly the grant funding, setting up the protocol and refining my research question. I want to thank Dr. Charles Pudrith, Dr. Diane ScheckLong and Dr. Matt Wilson for all of their help on my capstone project.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
My advice to all future students who decide to pursue research is to welcome all its opportunities and challenges as learning experiences. There's going to be lots of "A-ha!" moments that will continue to spark your interest and make you ask more questions than you ever anticipated. Make sure to talk to your wonderful team about all of your interests and inquiries to have the most fulfilling research experience at NIU.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I am currently in the fourth year of my doctoral externship at Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic in Kirkland, Washington. I completed an application and interview process with the clinical supervisor and one of the audiologists at the practice.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
This externship provides the clinical hours necessary for licensure and the experience required to strengthen my clinical skills in real time with real patients. I am able to use clinically relevant best practices for each patient and work collaboratively with my preceptors on difficult case studies.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was able to develop lasting friendships with my cohort here at NIU, as well as friendly professional relationships with my professors and clinical preceptors. I can always rely on a great team to get me through any issues that may come up in the future.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
My cohort has been in the same classes for the past three years together. We often study and eat lunch together. We have built a strong bond through all the tough study nights and subsequent examinations, as well as the numerous fun outings we've had with one another!

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I was involved in the Student Academy of Audiology chapter at NIU as a general member and as vice president. I was able to provide our chapter with unique and comfortable merchandise to support our community. I've also been involved in the College of Health and Human Sciences diversity, equity and inclusion faculty-led groups designed to promote diversity within our respective programs, as well as recognize alumni and other speakers who have faced challenges in their careers based on their cultural experiences.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The NIU audiology department has guided me through some tough situations I encountered in graduate school and helped me find support from NIU and within our cohort. I felt incredibly supported while working toward my degree/licensure because of the faculty, who truly cared about my academic success.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
The entire NIU audiology department has my admiration and adoration for their endless support and for putting up with my cohort's jokes and strange conversations.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Going to class on a regular basis is super important, as each second spent in school is a second added to my career. We were always discussing important topics related to audiology or health care in general, which are so interesting to me. Making sure I didn't miss a moment was my top priority.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus would have to be the audiology student room where we packed in like sardines to talk to one another, discuss ideas and audiology-related topics, and make memories eating lunch or unboxing treats we would get for one another.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
If possible, I would highly recommend talking to someone in the student body, as that is going to really unveil what the community on campus is like (preferably in the program you're most interested in). Having someone to connect to and ask specific campus-life questions was integral in my decision-making for both undergrad and grad school.

Why is a college education important to you?
My education is something I worked hard to complete; something no one can take away from me. It gives me endless opportunities in the professional field and connections with people I never would have met.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I was able to manage my time most effectively by studying in groups with members of my cohort. I also improved my mental health with frequent calls to friends and family back home and went on outings with friends to make lasting connections and maintain positivity as much as possible. I made sure to set aside time for studying, prepared for all lectures ahead of time and checked in with my classmates to make sure I didn't miss an assignment.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I would check my email for any NIU events I could participate in. Otherwise, our faculty were fantastic at keeping my cohort updated on College of Health and Human Sciences events we were invited to or if they needed volunteers.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to cook new recipes, watch TV or hang out with my friends in order to charge my battery for the week.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
My hobbies include watching video essays about various topics, cooking, going to the beach and playing (relaxing) video games.