Ms. Elif Ezgi IŞIK | Speech and Language Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Early Academic Pursuits

Elif Ezgi Işık’s academic journey began with a focused dedication to speech and language therapy, and her educational background reflects her passion for this field. She completed her undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy from Üsküdar University, where she studied under the guidance of esteemed faculty members and earned a 50% scholarship. Her foundational studies were enhanced by a master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy, also from Üsküdar University, where she conducted research that deepened her understanding of vocal health and disorders.

In 2022, Işık attained her doctoral degree from Hacettepe University, within the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Speech and Language Therapy. This period marked a significant milestone in her academic career, laying the groundwork for her future work in voice disorders, vocal health, and speech therapy. Her academic journey was marked by a clear commitment to expanding knowledge in the realms of vocal health and speech-language pathology, which have become central to her professional endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

Elif Ezgi Işık currently holds the position of Lecturer at the University of Health Sciences, Hamidiye Faculty of Health Sciences, where she imparts knowledge and expertise in speech and language therapy to the next generation of professionals. Her role as a lecturer is vital in shaping future practitioners who will go on to address voice disorders and related speech issues within clinical settings.

Beyond teaching, her involvement in research and clinical practice continues to enhance her professional stature. She is deeply engaged in research aimed at understanding and improving voice health, especially concerning those at high risk of vocal strain, such as teachers and performers. Her clinical work, especially in the domain of vocal fatigue and speech therapy, continues to help individuals with voice disorders regain functionality and improve their quality of life. Her active participation in numerous conferences and the publication of her research in well-regarded international journals adds to her professional profile.

Contributions and Research Focus

Işık’s research contributions primarily center around vocal health, the physiological aspects of speech, and voice disorders, especially in vulnerable populations such as teachers, elderly individuals, and people with neurological conditions. A significant portion of her research investigates the links between voice use and related disorders, focusing on the impact of vocal fatigue, anxiety, and communication skills in various contexts, particularly during challenging periods like the pandemic.

One notable contribution is her study on the effects of mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, published in the Journal of Voice. Her research in this area explored the relationship between vocal fatigue, anxiety, and perceived communication skills among individuals who frequently used masks, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in both professional and social communication.

Her ongoing research also delves into dysphagia, the difficulty in swallowing, particularly among individuals with multiple sclerosis. By examining voice parameters, she investigates whether these can serve as predictive tools for dysphagia in such patients, highlighting the intersection of speech therapy and medical conditions. These studies are an extension of her broader research agenda to improve speech therapy practices and the overall management of voice and swallowing disorders.

Accolades and Recognition

Işık’s work has not gone unnoticed in the academic community. She has authored numerous articles published in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, including DYSPHAGIA and Journal of Voice. Her research contributions have been presented at various prestigious international conferences, including the Voice İstanbul International Conference on Voice in All Aspects, and the 12th European Congress on Speech and Language Therapy.

In addition to her research accomplishments, Işık has contributed to the field through her writings, including a book chapter titled Evaluation of Voice Disorders, published in the scientific book Temel Larengoloji in 2022. Her participation in academic events and book chapters has solidified her as an emerging thought leader in her field.

Impact and Influence

Işık’s work has had a tangible impact on the field of speech and language therapy, particularly in understanding and treating voice disorders. Her research on vocal fatigue and its relationship with anxiety levels during the pandemic has influenced the way voice therapists address challenges posed by long periods of speech, such as those experienced by frontline workers and educators. These findings have important implications for developing more targeted and effective therapy interventions for individuals who rely heavily on their voices.

Her work on dysphagia and its potential correlation with voice parameters in multiple sclerosis patients may also pave the way for earlier diagnosis and intervention in clinical practice, highlighting her commitment to improving quality of care for individuals with speech and swallowing difficulties.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Elif Ezgi Işık is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of speech and language therapy. Her ongoing research, especially in areas such as voice health in vulnerable populations and the treatment of swallowing disorders, promises to further elevate the standards of care in speech therapy clinics.

As she advances in her career, her work is expected to inspire future generations of speech-language pathologists to pursue research that not only advances therapeutic techniques but also deepens the understanding of speech disorders from a physiological, psychological, and social perspective. Given her current trajectory, Işık is likely to become a prominent voice in the global academic community, with the potential to influence both practice and policy surrounding voice health and speech therapy.

Her legacy will likely center on her role in transforming the way vocal health is perceived and treated, especially in professional environments, and her pioneering work could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between voice, health, and society.