UW’s Kotlarek Named Maggie and Dick Scarlett Chair in Speech-Language Pathology

The University of Wyoming has named Katelyn Kotlarek as the Maggie and Dick Scarlett Chair in Speech-Language Pathology. Kotlarek, an associate professor within the Division of Communication Disorders of the College of Health Sciences, was appointed to the chair post last August.

Kotlarek, who also holds the title of President's Distinguished Scholar, is recognized for her research and clinical innovation in craniofacial and cleft-related speech disorders. Her work bridges clinical practice and biomedical imaging to improve diagnosis and treatment for children with craniofacial differences.

"The Maggie and Dick Scarlett Chair recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, leadership and commitment to advancing the field of speech-language pathology," says Breanna Krueger, interim director and associate professor in the Division of Communication Disorders. "Dr. Kotlarek's research program exemplifies this mission through its creativity, rigor and direct impact on clinical care."

Kotlarek's research is currently supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Her work also has been funded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, Wyoming INBRE (IDeA Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence) and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Disorders. Her current work uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to characterize velopharyngeal anatomy in infants, providing foundational data for precision approaches to surgical and speech interventions. Total funding for her research throughout the course of her career has totaled over $800,000.

She has published widely, including 39 peer-reviewed manuscripts in leading journals, such as the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal; the Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research; and the International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders. Kotlarek also serves as section editor for Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal for two areas: anatomy and basic sciences and speech-language pathology.

After completing her Ph.D. in communication sciences and disorders at East Carolina University, Kotlarek joined UW in 2019 as an assistant professor. She also received her master's and bachelor's degrees in communication science and disorders from Florida State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, respectively. Kotlarek also is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, who completed a competitive clinical fellowship at the University of Minnesota Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Clinics.

"Wyoming's investment in clinical and translational speech-language pathology research allows us to improve the lives of children and families across the state and beyond," Kotlarek says. "I'm deeply honored by this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to continue this work."

"Dr. Kotlarek's appointment to the Scarlett Chair reflects the University of Wyoming's commitment to advancing high-impact, clinically grounded research that improves lives," says Patrick Hardigan, dean of the College of Health Sciences. "Her work exemplifies the integration of scientific rigor, innovation and patient-centered care, and we are proud to recognize her leadership in the field of speech-language pathology."