Aphasia & Rehabilitation Outcomes Lab

Rebecca Hunting Pompon, Ph.D.
Director, Principal Investigator  | rhp@udel.edu

Rebecca Hunting Pompon, Ph.D., is the Principal Investigator of the Aphasia & Rehabilitation Outcomes (ARO) Lab and Associate Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Delaware.  Dr. Hunting Pompon received a master’s degree in Counseling from Seattle University, and has clinical experience in adult mental health, in addition to 15 years of experience in the non-profit medical, social justice, and mental health sectors. She completed a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Washington, with an emphasis on aphasia, its rehabilitation, and the cognitive functions involved in language processing. Dr. Hunting Pompon’s current research focuses on aphasia and biopsychosocial factors — like chronic stress and depression — and how these factors may be measured in people with aphasia and impact rehabilitation outcomes.  Other research interests include cognitive-linguistic processes and aphasia treatment engagement and response. Dr. Hunting Pompon trains and advises clinicians across the allied health professions on interpersonal communication and counseling skills in a variety of clinical contexts (see course series “Building Counseling Skills” produced by MedBridge Education). Outside of her work, Dr. Hunting Pompon enjoys movies, drawing, art and design, swimming, and trying to keep up with her two children.

Patrycja Puzio, M.A., CCC-SLP
Research SLP and Coordinator  | patrycja@udel.edu
Patrycja joined the ARO Lab in 2023 as the research coordinator and lab manager. She has clinical experience working as a speech-language pathologist in acute care and inpatient rehab settings and treating across the adult lifespan.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Montclair State University. Patrycja has a strong interest in neurogenic communication disorders, as well as improving patient outcomes and clinical resource access. In her free time, Patrycja is often reading or spending time outdoors rock climbing and hiking.

Brooke Donahue is a senior at the University of Delaware. Upon Brooke’s graduation, she will be earning an Honors degree in Cognitive Science (PP-SLP) along with minors in Disability Studies and Human Development and Family Sciences. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She has a strong interest in working with adults who are stroke and other brain injury survivors with communication difficulties.  Brooke is also a NSSLHA member, Writing Fellow for the UD Honors College, co-founder of UD’s Women in Healthcare student organization, and a 2024 Summer Scholar with ARO Lab. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting and finding new music to share with her friends and family. 

Sophia Mascari is a junior in UD’s Honors College, and is majoring in Cognitive Science with two minors in Disability Studies and Human Development and Family Sciences. She is pursuing a pre-professional Speech Language Pathology track and plans to earn her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology after her completion of her undergraduate studies. Sophia is also involved in NSSHLA, the Meditation Club, and is co-founder of UD’s Women in Healthcare student organization. Outside of school, she enjoys finding recipes, cooking new meals, and exploring different walking trails.

Asia Hobbs is an undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive Science (PP-SLP), and double-minoring in Women and Gender Studies and Theatre Studies. She plans to earn her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Asia is interested in gender-affirming voice therapy and aphasia, and is excited to learn more as she progresses in her major. Asia is involved in NSSLHA, Creative Mentoring, Women in Healthcare, the Tau Sigma Honor Society, study-abroad programs, and various theatre/short film projects. Outside of class, she is often reading or working as a Light Technician for live bands.