Amazing student: Abigail Jackson

Abigail Jackson
Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education (B.S.Ed. in communication sciences and disorders; minor in music)

By blending performance and practical use, senior Abigail Jackson is learning how the voice is an instrument that can be played in different ways,

Jackson has paired speech pathology with music to study voice. She is researching infant vocal development with Suneeti Iyer and clinical aspects of speech pathology with Ingrid Hinkley, while minoring in music. "The fact that Dr. Iyer took me on as an undergrad with no experience in this field is a testament to her dedication to the advancement of evidence-based practice in our field," Jackson said.

Her academic success has been rewarded for the past four years with a $1,500 One UGA Scholarship for academically strong students who provide diversity to UGA.

Plus, she puts her own vocal talents to use on and off campus. In 2013, she sang with the Hodgson Singers, UGA's premier choral ensemble. She serves as a worship leader with Navigators at UGA, part of the Campus Ministry Association. And, she volunteers at Malcolm Bridge Middle School through the UGA MATHCOUNTS outreach program, where Abigail helps students strengthen math skills and serves as a positive role model.

Last year, Jackson's interests took on an international flavor when she spent eight weeks in Japan as part of a cultural exchange program. The trip fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit the country — Jackson has enjoyed learning about its culture and people since she was young. After graduating in May, she plans to return to shadow speech therapists before applying to graduate school.

But whether it's on stage, in the classroom or in another country, Jackson says she's grateful for the undergraduate experiences she's had. "UGA offers opportunities and resources that can propel you into the next step if you tap into them," she says.