Alexander Conzaman is a rising senior in the University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program and one of 28 students participating in the 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI).

Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, Conzaman understands the important role of healthcare practitioners, noting, “The practitioners I worked with in middle school and high school made a huge impact on my life and my career choice.” He knew he wanted to study health sciences when he came to WCU but wasn’t sure which field. He has decided on a path that will enable him to practice as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP).

“I want to work with patients who use augmentative and alternative communication devices.”

Under the guidance of Associate Professor and Chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders Sojung Kim, Conzaman’s SURI project is testing the effects of three dimensional virtual reality (VR) applications versus traditional two-dimensional pictures through picture-description tasks in adults with mild or moderate aphasia or dementia versus healthy young adults.

“The study’s findings will be extremely valuable because little is known about the role of VR applications in the ability to describe pictures,” he explains. “Virtual reality and other technology available today offer new opportunities in healthcare fields but we need more data and research to be done.”

He adds, “I am grateful for the opportunities at WCU that allow me to explore my academic interests through high-level research under the guidance of esteemed faculty. Dr. Kim as a research mentor has allowed me to thrive as a student.”

Originally from Sinking Spring in Berks County, PA, Conzaman’s grandparents attended West Chester University and became teachers, and his mother was raised in West Chester. His uncle also attended WCU.

“My family was a little biased when it came time for me to choose a school,” he says. “They were thrilled when I chose WCU.”

Created and overseen by WCU’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, SURI builds undergraduates’ skills — and CVs — by offering them the opportunity to pursue research under the mentorship of a WCU faculty member. The five-week program takes place annually during the first summer session and requires students to devote 37.5 hours a week on their projects. They also participate in weekly research-focused events and activities to foster collaboration and networking, submit a final report in August, and present at the University’s spring Research and Creative Activity Day. Students receive a stipend to support their work.