Faculty Spotlight: Alisa Konishi-Therkildsen- Speech-Language Pathology program director and recent Ph.D. graduate
by Jessica Degnan |
Alisa Konishi-Therkildsen is the director of the Speech-Language Pathology program and an assistant professor in the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences. She joined UAA in July 2024 and recently earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Literacy Education. This accomplishment highlights her dedication to improving speech-language services and preparing the next generation of professionals across Alaska.
As part of her doctoral work, she co-developed the 鈥攁 dynamic assessment designed to help identify students with language disorder and dyslexia, with data collection that included Alaskan communities.
鈥淲hat I love most about my job is the opportunity to share my passion for speech-language pathology with our students and help shape the next generation of professionals,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also enjoy learning from our students and community partners about the unique cultures, strengths, and needs across Alaska.鈥�
UAA鈥檚 College of Health is proud to celebrate Alisa and her accomplishments鈥攃ongratulations!
Name: Alisa Konishi-Therkildsen
Title: SLP Program Director/ Assistant Professor
Unit: School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences
Hometown: I currently reside in Eagle River, but I was born and raised in Colorado.
How long have you worked at UAA/in this position?: I started at UAA in July of 2024.
Tell us about your job. What do you do? What makes it unique?:
I oversee all of the speech-language pathology programs at UAA and teach courses within these programs. What makes my job unique is the opportunity to work closely with students while also building partnerships across Alaska.
What do you love the most about your work?:
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to share my passion for speech-language pathology with our students and help shape the next generation of professionals. I also enjoy learning from our students and community partners about the unique cultures, strengths, and needs across Alaska.
What was your personal and/or professional journey that led you to working at UAA?:
After working as a speech-language pathologist for seven years in a variety of settings, I returned to school to pursue my Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy Education at the University of Wyoming. During my doctoral studies, I collaborated with Dr. Douglas B. Petersen and Dr. Trina D. Spencer to co-author a dynamic assessment鈥攖he DYMOND鈥攄esigned to help identify students with language disorder and dyslexia. As part of this work, we traveled to Alaska to collect normative data. From my very first visit, I felt a strong connection to the state and was honored to accept a faculty position at UAA, where I continue to support future speech-language pathologists and expand access to speech-language services across Alaska.
What advice would you give to youth interested in pursuing a career in your field?:
If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others, speech-language pathology is a wonderful career to consider. Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings鈥攊ncluding schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices鈥攁nd serve clients across the entire lifespan, from infants to elderly. It鈥檚 a field that combines science, communication, and compassion, offering endless opportunities to learn, grow, and have a meaningful impact.
What is your favorite Alaska activity or other hobbies? What do you love about them?:
I love to go fishing, and I am especially looking forward to my first full Alaskan summer! My family and I also enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors. Nothing beats a long day on the water or exploring a scenic trail鈥攊t's a great way to relax, recharge, and connect with nature.
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