Ronald E. McNair scholar Amia Fisher takes inspiration from her grandmother to research Parkinson’s disease
Amia Fisher has used her time at the University of Mississippi to learn about communication sciences and disorders and to research a topic that has played a role in her family members’ lives.
“I am a proud first-generation college student, but I would not be where I am now without the love and support of my family,” said Fisher, a communication sciences and disorders senior from Vicksburg. “I was inspired to choose communication sciences and disorders as my major because of my grandmother who endured a stroke and currently has Parkinson’s disease.”
Fisher is also a Ronald E. McNair Program scholar.
“Not only did the Ronald E. McNair Program allow me to gain direct experience as a researcher, but it also broadened my interests in communication sciences and disorders,” she said. “The program helped me realize that research is something that I plan to do within my career.”
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, prepares eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are usually from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential.
Fisher’s research through the McNair program includes a systematic review of race/ethnicity in Parkinson’s disease, a topic that she chose because of her grandmother. This project, coupled with the knowledge she has gained through her CSD coursework, has given Fisher an opportunity to learn more about Parkinson’s disease and how it affects those who live with it.
“I initially chose to major in CSD because language is a subject that I naturally excel in, and I love working with children,” Fisher said. “A career in CSD will allow me to research more information on these topics and help other individuals who experience the same conditions as my grandmother.”
Fisher is a student in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and completed her honors thesis on Parkinson’s disease.
“Completing my research project and honors thesis on Parkinson’s disease as a Ronald E. McNair scholar is one of my greatest accomplishments,” Fisher said. “My biggest inspiration behind my project was my grandmother.
“The ability to increase my academic experience while involving family is something I am extremely proud of.”
After graduation, Fisher will attend the University of Houston to begin her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. Her plan is to become a certified speech-language pathologist, but her ultimate goal is to own a pediatric speech and hearing center.
Fisher plans to continue to research varying topics in speech science for the rest of her career.
“Amia is a dedicated researcher with a passion,” said Toshikazu Ikuta, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders at UM, and Fisher’s research mentor. “She has shown that knowledge has distinct value. She understands the value of this and will be able to let other people know about it.”
In addition to being a McNair scholar and member of the Honors College during her time at Ole Miss, Fisher has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Black Student Union, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and Omega Phi Alpha Service Sorority.
She has also been a Mississippi Outreach to Scholastic Talent, or MOST, mentor. MOST mentors help guide prospective students through the college admissions process and freshmen throughout their first year at Ole Miss.
Fisher said she believes that all her experiences at Ole Miss, especially her CSD major, have prepared her for her future career.
“My CSD major will help me achieve my career goals because it has provided me with the
necessary information and tools that I need to succeed,” she said. “The program has also introduced me to accomplished speech-language pathologists that have been able to guide and teach me pertinent skills to achieve my career goals.”
Through all her academic achievements at Ole Miss, Fisher has learned to never give up.
“Any academic path consists of failures or detours, so my ultimate advice to other students is to view every disappointment as a learning opportunity,” she said. “Also, never perceive ‘failures’ as losses but as opportunities of growth. Always be optimistic, and always be a learner.”
Story by Meaghan Flores/School of Applied Sciences
