Junior Faculty Feature: Amanda Marchegiani, AuD
Adjunct Professor & Preceptor, Osborne College of Audiology
Dr. Amanda Marchegiani chose Salus for its innovative, unique curriculum, and strong emphasis in biomedicine. As a member of the Salus University Osborne College of Audiology’s class of 2010, Dr. Marchegiani’s professional goal is twofold: work with pediatric patients and their families and give back to the university that has provided her with not only a vast understanding of the profession, but also confidence in her own abilities. She is currently serving as vice president of the Salus University Alumni Association.
Following graduation, Dr. Marchegiani was involved in a pilot program at Salus that provided tutoring opportunities to first year audiology students. In 2013, she transitioned to a lab facilitator role for Audiometric Principles, with an aim of “bridging the gap” between academic and clinical experience. “I always felt that I wanted to teach others. This role was the perfect link between working with students and providing patient care,” she noted.
Dr. Marchegiani strives to make students feel welcome as soon as they enter their first semester, as this builds confidence throughout their time at the University. Identifying what motivates students and having an understanding that not all students learn the same way is crucial to Dr. Marchegiani’s teaching philosophy. “I am mindful and accepting that not all individuals learn in the same way,” she said. “Each student is unique; lab is structured in a way that aligns topics covered in lecture with hands-on activities.” How does she create an inclusive classroom? By understanding the motivating factors and learning methods of each student and also encouraging the importance of giving back and helping each other.
As she prepares each week, Dr. Marchegiani draws on her own clinical experience and believes her time in academia makes her an even better clinician. She believes that her roles at the university and at the hospital help her to be her best self and positively impact the lives of students as well as her pediatric patients and their families.