Congratulations to Dr. Katelyn Kotlarek!

Dr. Kotlarek, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, successfully defended her dissertation, “Investigation of the Anatomical and Physiological Changes Following the Use of a Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Graft During Primary Palatoplasty” under the direction of Dr. Jamie Perry.

Dr. Kotlarek’s research has been primarily focused on the effectiveness of surgical protocols and the anatomical and physiological changes that occur after cleft palate repair surgery. She aims to identify which cleft repair technique creates a more favorable velopharyngeal system for speech production, subsequently reducing overall medical costs and improving quality of life and overall clinical care in this population.

Dr. Kotlarek will begin a tenure-track position at the University of Wyoming as an Assistant Professor in the Fall. She also plans to continue her research efforts that are geared towards the cleft palate population.