The Bernthal-Beukelman Memorial Service-Leadership Award has been awarded to Heather Porter, Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A, a research scientist and clinical audiologist at Boys Town National Research Hospital.
Established in 2023 by the Nebraska Speech-Language Hearing Association, this award honors the contributions and commitment of Dr. John Bernthal and Dr. Dave Beukelman to servant leadership. It encourages others to follow in their remarkable footsteps. Both were highly respected leaders in the field of speech-language pathology and communication disorders.
Ryan McCreery, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at Boys Town Hospital, said Dr. Porter exemplifies the spirit of this award. “She is a collaborative researcher who works tirelessly in the lab and in the community for the best interests of people with Down syndrome.”
With areas of research in hearing and balance, Dr. Porter’s current roles inform a program of federally funded translational research to improve hearing healthcare and outcomes in individuals with Down Syndrome across their lifespan.
“She is a researcher who really cares about improving lives,” said Lori Leibold, Ph.D., Director, Center for Hearing Research at Boys Town Hospital. “Dr. Porter is always volunteering, reaching out and advocating for people with Down syndrome and their families.”
Dr. Porter called being recognized by her peers humbling, and said she was inspired by an early mentor. “She would do all the little things in the background that made things run smoothly,” Dr. Porter said.
For her, servant leadership includes following in those footsteps and doing those little things. “It’s to be present, to be engaged, to treat people how you would want to be treated,” Dr. Porter said.