Minnesota Academy of Audiology

2025 Speakers

	Riley DeBacker, Au.D., Ph.D. is a research investigator and audiologist at the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research in Portland, OR. His research focuses on predictive statistical modeling of ototoxic hearing loss related to treatments for cancer and HIV. Riley is also a member of the AAA Honors and Awards and Guidelines and Strategic Documents committees, and founder of Queer Empowerment for Audiologists, Researchers, and Students (QuEARS).
	Lindsey Jorgensen, Au.D., Ph.D. is a professor at the University of South Dakota where she teaches, does research, and sees patients clinically. Both her area of research and clinic focus on personalization of hearing technology based on physical and cognitive ability of patients. Lindsey teaches courses in amplification, counseling, advanced diagnostics, hearing technology, and rehabilitation. Additionally, she serves as the Chair for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders as well as the Clinic Director for the USD Speech and Hearing Clinics.
	Wafaa Kaf, M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., CCC-A, is a professor of audiology at Missouri State University. She holds a medical degree and a Master’s in audiology from Assiut University, Egypt, and a Ph.D. in audiology from the University of Pittsburgh. Wafaa’s research focuses on auditory electrophysiology, using ABR and electrocochleography to assess neural adaptation and study hyperacusis, and cochlear synaptopathy, with a notable record of outstanding research. Her work extends to studying neural integrity in migraine using human and animal models. Recognized for her teaching, research, and service, Wafaa has received multiple awards, including the Roy Blunt Life Science Research Professorship, and has presented at numerous international conferences. She is currently a member of the Academy's board of directors.
	Kari Sween, M.S. is an assistant professor at Minnesota State University – Mankato. Her greatest passion is to teach American Sign Language (ASL) in a safe space for students so they can learn to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Kari says, "In addition to teaching ASL, it is equally important to understand the communication barriers that deaf and hard of hearing people face every day. My goal is to reduce these barriers by raising awareness about ASL and deaf culture."