Noted Speech Language Pathologist Martha S. Burns Elected a Fellow of ASHA
An Employee of Scientific Learning Corp., Dr. Burn Receives Recognition for Work in Language and Neuroscience Research
7/16/07
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Oakland, CA, July 16, 2007— Dr. Martha S. Burns, instructor of the Neuropathologies in Speech and Language doctoral program at the Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Adjunct Associate Professor at Northwestern University and the director of Scientific Learning Corp.'s (NASDAQ:SCIL) clinical specialist market, has been elected a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Burns was elected in recognition of her achievements in teaching and research publication, particularly in the areas of aphasiology, right hemisphere dysfunction and neuropathologies of speech and language.
Election as a Fellow is one of the highest honors ASHA can bestow, and is given to members who have shown outstanding contribution to the professions supported by ASHA. Only a small percentage of members have, by virtue of the quality and amount of their contributions, distinguished themselves sufficiently to warrant recognition by election to Fellow in ASHA.
The honor has special meaning to Burns because it symbolizes the bridge that now exists between the neuroscience and linguistic communities. In 1997, when Burns became involved with the first national research trials for programs which use principles of neuroscience to build literacy, there was skepticism among some language specialists with psycholinguistic research orientations within the association. Their research stressed objective measurement and treatment of language performance and they were skeptical that brain-based approaches could enhance language and literacy skills. In the ensuing years Burns worked hard to build understanding and acceptance of the science. "My becoming an ASHA Fellow indicates to me that ASHA recognizes the value of child language and literacy research emanating from the neuroscience community and the viability of brain-based practices," she said. "I feel this is a great honor to have ASHA recognize my work."
As director of Scientific Learning's clinical specialist market, Burns is the primary contact and support for 300-400 practitioners such as speech and language pathologists, learning disabilities specialists, and psychologists who offer Fast ForWord products in private clinics. And, in addition to teaching in the doctoral program at Nova Southeastern University, she is also an adjunct associate professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. Burns also co-manages a small clinic in Evanston, Illinois specializing in neurogenic speech and language disorders.
Prior to her current activities, Burns worked as the director of the Speech Language Pathology Department at Evanston Hospital Corp. She also served on several ASHA committees and has made more than 500 invited presentations for ASHA CEU certified Continuing Education groups. In addition, Burns has presented more than 50 papers, poster sessions, and short courses at professional association conventions and published more than 40 works, including authoring or co-authoring five books and serving as editor of nine collections. She has received numerous awards for her work.
Burns and the 28 other newly elected fellows of the ASHA will be presented with plaques in a ceremony to be held in November at the 2007 ASHA Convention in Boston, Mass.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
ASHA, located in Rockville, Maryland, is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 127,000 speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally. For more information on speech, language, and hearing disorders, consumers can log on to the ASHA website at http://www.ASHA.org or call 1-800-638-TALK.
About Scientific Learning Corporation
Scientific Learning produces the patented Fast ForWord® family of products, a series of computer-delivered intervention products that build learning capacity by developing the neurocognitive skills required to read and learn effectively.
For more information about Scientific Learning and its products, visit our Web sites at www.scientificlearning.com and www.brainconnection.com, or call toll-free 888-452-7323.
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