2024-2025 Officers
Who We Are
Erika Perez
President
Why did you choose audiology?
My passion for audiology was ignited during my undergraduate studies in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSAD). As I delved deeper into the field, I began shadowing audiologists and quickly realized that I could see myself in this field. I enjoy the blend of science and technology and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s quality of life.
What are your audiology goals currently?
Currently, my primary goal is to build on the foundational knowledge I've gained and to continually expand my understanding of the field. I’m eager to explore specialized areas within audiology, enhance my clinical skills, and learn more about myself in the process. I aim to become a well-rounded audiologist who can provide exceptional care to a diverse patient population.
What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
My favorite aspect of the Sac State AuD program is undoubtedly the clinical instructors. Their diverse teaching styles and vast experiences have provided me with a well-rounded education, equipping me with the skills and confidence needed to excel in various clinical settings. .
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I've ever received is to always consider the person you aspire to be in the future when making decisions today. By aligning your present choices with your long-term goals, you ensure that every step you take is purposeful and brings you closer to becoming the person you envision. This mindset has been invaluable in guiding my personal and professional journey.
Raymund Madayag
Vice President
Why did you choose audiology?
As an English as a second language speaker, I have always had a passion for language and a strong desire to help people, which initially led me to consider a career in speech pathology. However, my decision to switch to audiology was significantly influenced by my first aural rehab class in undergrad. In this class, I learned about audiologists' profound impact on people’s lives by restoring receptive communication.
What are your audiology goals currently?
Currently, my focus is working with the adult population; however, working with children can also be fun. I am particularly interested in cochlear implants due to their significant impact on improving quality of life. I am also interested in working in specialty clinics, including vestibular and intraoperative monitoring. I hope to one day open an audiology clinic in my home country, the Philippines!
What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
My favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program is the diversity of expertise among the faculty and the contemporary approach to teaching audiology. The faculty includes professionals from various fields, such as biomechanical engineers, geneticists, pharmacists, and clinical and research audiologists. This diverse team teaches a wide range of audiology-related courses, from pharmacology and genetics to aural rehabilitation and amplification, providing a comprehensive and modern education in the field.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Discipline is what you need when your motivation fails you.
Nikki Dutta
Treasurer
Why did you choose audiology?
I chose audiology because of its unique blend of science, technology, and patient care. I am inspired by the ability to help people, especially the geriatric population, connect with the world through better hearing. Audiology offers a chance to make a tangible difference in someone's quality of life, which drew me to this field.
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What are your audiology goals currently?
Currently, my goals in audiology include mastering diagnostic techniques, refining my counseling skills, and staying updated on the latest advancements in hearing technology. I'm also focused on improving accessibility in hearing healthcare, particularly for underrepresented communities.
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What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
My favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program is the wide range of outreach opportunities. These experiences allow us to engage directly with diverse communities, providing essential hearing healthcare services while also honing our clinical skills in real-world settings.
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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is to “be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” It’s a reminder that growth and learning often happen outside of our comfort zones. Embracing challenges and stepping into the unknown is the best way to develop new skills and become more resilient, both personally and professionally.
Jamie Followill
Secretary
Why did you choose audiology?
After working in optometry, my perspective changed completely when a deaf patient thanked me for signing with her, and she informed me that she hadn't been to any doctor in over 10 years because she felt tired and frustrated with the fact that she couldn't truly communicate with anyone. This experience inspired me to work closely with the deaf and audiology communities and try to improve inclusivity in healthcare. Everyone deserves access to healthcare and deserves to be heard and understood - and where I felt I could have the greatest impact and the best place to start is where my passion had led me, which was audiology.​
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What are your audiology goals currently?
I have an interest in adult and geriatric patient populations. At the moment, I’ve really enjoyed tinnitus evaluations, as well as any cochlear implant evaluation/consultation appointments. As for research interests, I am particularly invested in sensorineural hearing loss being a complication of type 1 diabetes and its early detection.
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What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
My favorite thing about the Sac State Au.D. program is the hands-on experience paired with the knowledgeable audiologists we work side by side with. I also appreciate the updated equipment that we are able to advance our knowledge with and continue to grow as the field of audiology continues to grow and advance.
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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
"Be the person you needed growing up."
Jaleasha Nacole Lyons
Community Outreach & Social Media Liaison
Why did you choose audiology?
I chose audiology due to my fascination with its scientific nature, cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to positively impact patient's lives.
What are your audiology goals currently?
My audiology goals center on enhancing expertise in pediatrics and adult audiology, staying updated on advancements, and making a meaningful impact across all age groups.
What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
The clinical experience at Sac State AuD program, enriched by resources and supportive faculty, is my favorite aspect.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I've received: "Success is not final, and failure is not fatal." It guides me to see achievements as stepping stones and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
Laura Gaeta
Ph.D., F-AAA
Faculty Advisor
Why did you choose audiology?
I became interested in audiology after taking an introductory aural rehabilitation (AR) course in undergrad. AR has so many components and potential connections with other fields, and I enjoy getting to learn about how we can address the effects of hearing impairment in a variety of ways.
What is your favorite thing about the Sac State AuD program?
My favorite part of the Au.D. program is the people. Our students, staff, and faculty are here to educate, work with, and train future audiologists. Our patients and research participants can come to our new clinic for services and meet our students. Through SAA, we can reach more people like undergraduate students and community members who may be learning about audiology or the importance of hearing for the first time.
