Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Alyssa Torres

This spring, departments in the University of Arizona's College of Science nominated an outstanding senior who went above and beyond during their time as a Wildcat. We are pleased to share their stories as they reflect on their time at UArizona. Next in the senior spotlight series is Alyssa Torres from the department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.

Alyssa Torres
Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

College of Science: Why did you choose your area of study?
Torres: I chose to pursue a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences because I have always known I wanted to be a health provider, but never knew which kind. Seeing a speech pathologist myself in elementary school, and working with Deaf children in high school were both experiences that drew me to the health professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. It was not until learning about the barriers in access to services my grandfather faced with his hearing loss that my decision to become an audiologist was solidified. My undergraduate education has provided me with a variety of experiences to explore and expand my interests in speech, language, and hearing. Opportunities such as undergraduate research, clinical assistantship, preceptorship, and leadership supported my success on the pathway to becoming a future clinician. I am so grateful to have chosen such a supportive and encouraging major that has allowed me to achieve my biggest goals.

COS: Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed
Torres: During my undergraduate career, I had the opportunity to be an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Nicole Marrone's Audiologic Rehabilitation Lab. I was introduced to this lab by taking one of the most memorable courses of my undergraduate career (Hearing, Health, and Society or SLHS 255) which was a class that was the perfect combination of public health and hearing! Throughout my two years as an undergraduate researcher in the Audiologic Rehabilitation Lab, I have gained invaluable insight into research regarding hearing healthcare access and hearing health disparities. In the summer of 2022, I had the privilege of being accepted into the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC) program, where I was able to conduct my own research under my faculty mentor Dr. Aileen Wong. My UROC project examined student supports for audiology students at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), to examine the matriculation of underrepresented students into the field of audiology.

COS: What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever?
Torres: One memory that I will cherish forever during my time at the University of Arizona is serving as an Ambassador for the College of Science. Through being an ambassador, I was able to engage in meaningful outreach within the Tucson community and build connections with many peers, mentors, and students along the way. I enjoyed being able to talk to high school students about my experience navigating college and inspire students to explore the variety of majors and opportunities that the College of Science provides. During high school, it was hard to picture myself pursuing a STEM degree, so I was grateful to be able to serve as a representation of a student coming from a local Tucson high school and showing that it is possible.

COS: What is next for you after graduation?
Torres: This fall, I will be continuing my education at the University of Arizona as a graduate student in the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program. As an audiologist, I plan to remain in the Southwest and hope to serve populations in border communities and rural areas with limited access to care. I am so grateful to have been accepted into a program that is committed to building connections within the community. My journey would not have been possible without the help, guidance, and support of my family and mentors. I am forever appreciative of the opportunities provided during my undergraduate career at the University of Arizona.