Nicole Wasilus

Biography:

I am an undergraduate student in Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Penn State University. I plan to graduate in Fall 2011 and look forward to attending graduate school to get my Masters in Speech Pathology.

I'm thrilled to have been selected as a PIRE Undergraduate Scholar to travel to Beijing, China in Summer 2011. Currently, I am participating in a research project with Dr. Carol Miller examining the relationship between theory of mind, language processing, and executive function tasks in preschool children. Does performance on language processing tasks predict performance on theory of mind in young children, over and above the influence of executive function? At Beijing Normal University, I will continue Dr. Miller's research on theory of mind in a cross linguistic design, using Mandarin speaking children.

This experience abroad will ultimately allow me to one day become a speech language pathologist who is culturally sensitive. This hands-on experience in another country, like China, will prepare me for both counseling and treatment implications that this culture difference may present. I love doing research and feel that simply being part of this profession is important; however, my passion lies in being a part of contributions that will improve the field in the future.

I have a passion for life and a desire to see the world. I love doing crafts, volunteering and traveling. After participating in an alternative spring break trip to New Orleans with Penn State Hillel, I discovered my passion for volunteering and my desire to make a difference in the lives of others. This inspired me to create Tikkun Olam ("Repairing the World"), a Jewish student service organization. Our small but dedicated group services the State College community monthly. I am also a part of the THON Special Events committee. I am proud to be involved with the largest student-run philanthropy in the world in hopes to one day have a cancer-free world.