Dr. Speights Atkins received her master’s degree from Tennessee State University and her Ph. D. from the University of Cincinnati.  Her research is informed by her 17 years of clinical practice serving preschool and early elementary age children.  During her time serving as speech-language pathologist in preschools and elementary schools in Tennessee,  Mississippi, Ohio, and Alabama, it became apparent that tools used for large screening efforts were too time intensive and often challenged by a limited number of specialist trained in communication disorders on site to either administer screening tests or to supervise the process.

Dr. Speights Atkins’ clinical experience,  training in speech science,  and collaborations with computer and data scientists has inspired her to develop and test automated tools for speech measurement and screening of speech disorders in children.  She is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence for speech screenings. With her team of collaborators and student researchers, our hope is that the development of smart tools will aid in reducing racial, social, and geographical disparities in early detection, increase access to care, and improve referrals of children to speech-language pathologist for diagnostic speech assessment and early intervention.