Leslie C. Lopez, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, CHES, PNAP
Interim Department Head & Associate Professor
Acting Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Accreditation & Assessment
Department: Communication Disorders, Section of Speech-Language Pathology
Licensure/Certifications:
- ASHA: Certificate of Clinical Competence, Speech-language Pathology (#12116398) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- LBESPA: Licensed Speech-language Pathologist, State of Louisiana (#8456)
- National Board Certification in Child Language (BCS-CL), American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (#38307)
Bachelor of Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (2002)
Master of Science, Speech-Language Pathology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (2004)
Doctor of Philosophy, Public Health Sciences, Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville (2019)
- SPTHAUD 6214: Diagnosis and Evaluation in Speech-Language Pathology
- SPTHAUD 6222: Language Disorders I
- SPTHAUD 5204: Language Disorders II
- SPTHAUD 6510: LEND
- SPTHAUD 6704: Clinical Practicum Level II
Research interests focus on the intersection of speech-language pathology and public health, with an emphasis on early identification of communication delays, developmental screening, and health equity. Current projects incorporate community-based participatory research and interprofessional collaboration to strengthen developmental monitoring practices among early childhood educators and healthcare providers. Federally funded research initiatives focus on improving early identification, timely referrals, and access to intervention services for young children at risk for developmental delays. Additional interests include implementation science and the development of sustainable, evidence-based strategies to support early childhood communication development, particularly in underserved communities.