Aphasia & Rehabilitation Outcomes Lab

Rebecca Hunting Pompon, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator | rhp@udel.edu

Rebecca Hunting Pompon, Ph.D., is the Principal Investigator of the Aphasia & Rehabilitation Outcomes Lab (UD ARO Lab) and Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program 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, swimming, and trying to keep up with her two children.

Patrycja Puzio, M.A., CCC-SLP
Research 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.

Becky Dublin, B.A., M.A., CF-SLP
Research Coordinator  |  rdublin@udel.edu
Becky Dublin has served as research coordinator and lab manager of ARO Lab since 2019, following professional experiences as a brain injury specialist, as well as in marketing and public relations. She is passionate about neurorehabilitation, creative problem solving, communication, and language, and she has both personal experience and a vested interest in brain injury. During her clinical experience at a long-term neurorehabilitation facility as a Lead Brain Injury Specialist, she learned the importance of improving rehabilitation outcomes and making advancements in the Communication Sciences & Disorders research field. Before coming to the University of Delaware, she volunteered at Temple University’s Speech Language And Brain Lab, concentrating on acquired apraxia of speech. She received her B.A. in English Literature and Sociology from West Chester University, and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Delaware. In her free time she enjoys reading, weightlifting, and spending time with her dog.

Brooke Donahue is an undergraduate junior at the University of Delaware. Upon Brooke’s graduation in 2025, she will be earning an Honors degree in Cognitive Science (PP-SLP) along with minors in Disability Studies and Human Development and Family Sciences. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She has a strong interest in working with adults who have suffered strokes, TBIs, and other brain injuries causing communication difficulties.  Brooke is also a NSSLHA member and a Writing Fellow for the Honors College on campus. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting and finding new music to add to her playlists and to share with her friends and family.

Sophia Mascari is a sophomore undergraduate student in the honors college here at the University of Delaware, 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 and the Meditation Club. Outside of school, she enjoys finding and cooking new meals and exploring different walking trails.