From Clinic to Campus: New IHS Faculty Invites Students for Multilingual Early Language Research

Sindhu Chennupati, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, joined Seton Hall this summer as an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology in the School of Health and Medical Sciences. Her research centers on linguistically and culturally responsive early language assessment and intervention for multilingual children and families. Since joining Seton Hall, she has been advancing this work through her Culturally Harmonious Assessment and Intervention Language Lab, known on campus as the CHAI-Lingual Lab, which is now welcoming students at all levels to participate in.

“The position at Seton Hall was really aligned with my research and teaching interests,” Chennupati said. “I’m starting my CHAI-Lingual Lab and teaching the bilingual speech-language pathology course this semester, so it has translated just the way I hoped.” She shared that what drew her most to Seton Hall was how supportive the department and school have been from the start. “Everyone was very responsive,” she said, adding that she felt the University’s mission closely aligned with her own values of community engagement and service. “There’s lots of support for me as a new faculty member and our values are aligned nicely.”

Chennupati completed her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science at Arizona State University in 2025. Before embarking on doctoral study, she earned her master’s degree in 2020 at George Washington University, practiced as a clinical speech-language pathologist and obtained national certification as a CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology).

All of this momentum is taking shape in her new campus home, the CHAI-Lingual Lab. “By next semester, I’ll have the projects up and running and begin data collection,” Chennupati said, “so there will be opportunities for meaningful student involvement.”

For Chennupati, involving students in authentic research is not only a goal but a joy. “Mentoring students is one of my favorite parts of academia,” she said. “I got involved in research as an undergraduate student and I really think that changed the trajectory of my career. So I think anybody who is a student, even if they’re just not sure but peripherally interested in research, should get that experience and see what research looks like and what it means.”

Victoria Marques, a first-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Seton Hall, reflects on her own experience in the CHAI-Lingual Lab: “I’ve really enjoyed applying what I’m learning in my classes to real concepts that interest me. Being bilingual myself, it’s been especially fulfilling to learn about language development in bilingual children,” Victoria shared. “Chennupati has been amazing to work with! She is incredibly understanding and encouraging, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work with her.” For those considering joining the lab, Victoria recommends it highly: “I couldn’t recommend it more, it allows you to explore your interests in depth and build meaningful relationships with faculty!”

Chennupati’s invitation to students is also open and immediate. Students interested in language, culture and child development, especially those curious about how research becomes practice, are encouraged to introduce themselves and learn more about opportunities to join. Interested students can visit the CHAI-Lingual Lab People to connect.

Chennupati’s recent scholarship continues to build momentum. In Journal Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools (2025), she authored “Parent Teaching Using the Enhanced Moved by Reading to Accelerate Comprehension in English Intelligent Tutoring System to Teach Question-Asking During Shared Book Reading in Latino Families”.  In the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (2025), she co-authored “Conceptual Model and Content Validity of the Voice and Communication Situation Questionnaire Developed With and for Transgender and Gender-Diverse People Presumed Female at Birth”. 

Beyond her research, Chennupati has also made a mark on the national stage. She was recognized with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Distinguished Early Career Professional Award. She also featured in The ASHA Leader Live as one of the field’s early-career trailblazers, and interviewed for ASHA Stream’s “Contribute and Help Others” series, sharing how service and research can go hand in hand to empower families and communities. At Seton Hall, she continues to build on this mission: connecting students, research and community in ways that make the classroom and laboratory come alive.

Categories: Research, Science and Technology