FACULTY PROFILE
"I am an Associate Professor in the department of Communication Disorders at Governors State University (GSU), University Park, IL. I joined the faculty at GSU in 2001 and since that time have taught Neuroanatomy and Physiology, Dysphagia in Adults and Children, Adult Language and Cognitive Disorders, and (more recently) Pediatric Dysphagia. I have published in the area of Pediatric
traumatic brain injury and my research program focuses on Parent training inpediatric dysphagia and Pre-clinical issues in speech-language pathology. I am a licensed and
certified speech-language pathologist and a member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and the Illinois Speech-Language and Hearing Association.
I love teaching at GSU. I strongly believe that our department, the Department of Communication
Disorders (CDIS), meets the University’s mission of providing exceptional and accessible education. We have students who are diverse in every way—racial/ethnic, economic, geographic, language, age,
experience, ability, etc. The blend of the traditional and non-traditional student is unique. In CDIS, non-traditional students bring a wealth of work and life experience to the classroom that seems to benefit traditional students; traditional students assist non-traditional ones by helping them establish or re-establish study skills or by helping them navigate new technology. We have a talented and devoted faculty who are more like family than colleagues.
I enjoy seeing my students grow in knowledge and skills from the beginning of the semester to the end of the semester. I enjoy the first time they see a radiographic swallow study (there is an excited but deer in headlight kind of look), but I know the satisfaction they will experience later while observing an actual swallow study being performed and they understand as well as interpret the study. I am rewarded when students talk about how my course opened their mind to new career opportunities (e.g., working in medical setting or with adults). I also enjoy continued learning and personal/professional growth that comes with teaching.
My most valuable community service has been working with the
Illinois Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ISHA). I served as editor of the Student Sector
column for the ISHA newsletter, and as Vice President for the ISHA Professional and Consumer Communication committee. For the past 3 years, I have chaired ISHA’s Acquired Neurogenics Track for the annual ISHA Convention in Rosemont, IL. I anticipate getting involved in clinical service to the community such as hosting a “Book Club” for patients following stroke-related aphasia. I have an interest in prevention activities to promote oral/dental hygiene in the elderly and overall health and wellness to minimize the risk of stroke.
I am an athlete at heart. I love tennis, jogging, and working out."
- Jessica Bonner, Ph.D.
View Jessica Bonner CV
PUBLICATIONS
- Bonner, J. (in preparation). Clinical practicum hours in aphasia and dysphagia: A retrospective look.
- Bonner, J. (2014). Facilitating clinical success for students with accents. e-Hearsay, electronic journal of the Ohio Speech-Language and Hearing Association (OSLHA), 4(1), p. 68-80.
- Bonner, J. (2010, May). A career in pediatric health care. Student Sector, The Newsletter of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 35(3), p. 12.
- Bonner, J. (2009, October). Did you know…(facts and resources in Communication Disorders), Student Sector, The Newsletter of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 35(1), p. 9.
- Bonner, J. (2007, February). Review of the book Early Intervention Dictionary: A Multidisciplinary Guide, by J. Coleman]. Clinic Corner, The Newsletter of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 32(3), p. 8.
- Bonner, J. (2006, April). Did you know … (Facts and resources in Communication Disorders). Student Sector, The Newsletter of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 31(5), p. 9.
- Bonner, J. (2006, April). Finding discussion forums in Communication Disorders. Student Sector, The Newsletter of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 31(4), p.10.
- Bonner, J. (2005, June). A day in the life of two outstanding students. Student Sector, The Newsletter of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 30(5), p. 8.
- Bonner, J. (2004, June). Tips for negotiating a salary. Student Sector, The Newsletter of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 29(5), pp. 10-11.
- J.Harris, J. (1998). [Review of the book Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A therapy and resource manual, by B. Green, K. Stevens, & T. Wolfe]. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. McCants, R. & Harris, J. (1998, August).
- "Bicycle helmet use and safety in the African American community: An ounce of prevention…” Ohio Brain Injury Association Newsletter.
- J.Harris, J. & DePompei, R. (1997). Provision of services to students with traumatic brain injury: A survey of colleges and universities in Ohio. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 12(2), 67-77.
- Harris, J. (1996). Verbal rehearsal and memory in children with closed head injury. Journal of Communication Disorders, 29, 79-93.
- Harris, J. (1994). Brain-injury support groups: Services for children and adolescents. Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Nov/Dec, 4-10.