Mary Pierce Barnes is a third year Doctor of Audiology (AuD) student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). Barnes acquired her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in social work.
Barnes joined the Pitt Audiology program in 2023 and has gained a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience across a variety of specialties within audiology.
Read on to learn why Barnes was drawn to SHRS and get a glimpse into the schedule of a typical student in the program.
Choosing Pitt
What made the SHRS Doctor of Audiology program stand out to you?
I chose to come to Pitt because of the incredible variety of clinical experiences offered to Pitt Audiology students. The opportunity to rotate across diverse settings—such as Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, pediatric clinics, ear, nose and throat (ENT) practices and large hospital systems—really stood out to me when I was applying to graduate programs. I also appreciated that Pitt students begin clinical placements right away during the first semester. I learn best through hands-on experience, and I’m so grateful to be in a program that emphasizes that kind of early, immersive learning model.
In addition, I attended an open house on Zoom for students, where I had the chance to hear from current Pitt Doctor of Audiology students and faculty. Everyone seemed genuinely happy and passionate about their experience, which made a lasting impression on me and confirmed that Pitt was the right fit.
How is the program setting you up for a career after graduation?
Pitt is setting us up for success by emphasizing evidence-based practice, which ensures that no matter where we go, we know how to provide the highest standard of care. I also think Pitt Audiology graduates are highly sought after because of the strong reputation and respect the program has earned. The wide range of clinical experiences and the professional connections we build throughout our time h
Clinical Experience
What clinical placements have you done/what are you doing now?
Currently, I have clinic with Dr. Catherine Palmer at the Eye and Ear Institute, and on Thursdays, I work with Dr. Taylor Hill-Murray and Dr. Elaine Mormer completing the Hearing Education and Resources for Underserved Populations (HEAR-UP) project at the Birmingham Free Clinic and the Squirrel Hill Health Center.
HEAR-UP provides free hearing health care services to underserved communities in Pittsburgh. The free services include hearing screenings, hearing aid fittings and follow-up care.
One of the amazing things about Pitt’s program is that students begin clinic very early on. My first clinical placements included working with the UPMC Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential team, where I had the opportunity to perform vestibular testing and complete full audiometric evaluations for patients with balance disorders. During my first semester, I also conducted hearing screenings and provided basic hearing aid maintenance for pre-surgical patients on the pre-op floor at UPMC Presbyterian.
Throughout my first year, I gained experience with pediatric patients by performing hearing and speech screenings for preschool and school-aged children across the greater Pittsburgh area. Since then, I’ve expanded my clinical experience through placements at the VA Healthcare System of Pittsburgh, multiple ENT practices and several free clinics in the Pittsburgh community. Each site has given me valuable hands-on experience with diverse patient populations and clinical settings.
How else are you active in the department?
I’m actively involved in both research and leadership within the department. I serve as a research assistant in the Systems of Neuroscience and Auditory Perception Lab at Pitt under the primary investigator Dr. Hari Bharadwaj, where I help study auditory perception and neural processing.
I’m also the president of Pitt’s Student Academy of Audiology, where I help organize monthly meetings, community outreach and humanitarian events. One of my main goals as president is to foster a strong sense of community within our program—creating an environment where students can support one another academically, professionally and personally.
Program Experience
What is your relationship like with the faculty?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have supportive and inspiring relationships with many of the faculty members in the program.
Dr. Taylor Hill-Murray has been a true mentor to me. She first taught our initial Clinical Procedures Lab, where we learned the fundamentals of hearing aids, programming software, and how to make earmold impressions for the very first time. Since then, I’ve also had the privilege of working closely with her on the HEAR-UP project. She continually inspires me through her dedication to serving underserved populations and her ability to bridge barriers in hearing health care. Her passion for community outreach has shown me how rewarding it can be to give back through our profession.
Dr. Emma Alscher was my very first clinical education instructor at Pitt, and she has had such a positive impact on my development as a clinician. She devotes so much time and attention to each student and peer teacher in the program, ensuring that everyone receives individualized feedback and support. Her thoughtful guidance, encouragement and high standards have helped me build both confidence and competence in my clinical skills.
Career Aspirations
What area do you want to specialize in?
I started grad school with a very open mind. I wasn’t set on working with any population and wanted to explore all areas of audiology. Many of my classmates came in knowing they wanted to specialize in pediatrics, but I was eager to experience everything before deciding. Through my clinical placements, I discovered a true love for working with adults, especially the veteran population. The stories, resilience and gratitude of the veterans I’ve worked with have deeply impacted me.
I’ve also realized that providing equitable hearing health care is a passion of mine, and it’s something I hope to continue throughout my career. I’m excited to be completing my fourth-year externship at the Miami VA Healthcare System, where I can continue serving veterans while growing as a clinician.
