An Antiguan-born researcher has earned one of the highest distinctions in the field of speech-language pathology, placing her work among the top submissions at a major U.S. conference.

Aethiopia Joseph-Salmon, a graduate of Howard University and current PhD student at Purdue University, was awarded the prestigious “Meritorious Poster” distinction by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for the 2025 ASHA Convention. Out of 1,586 submissions, only 88 were selected for this honour.

Her research focuses on the unmet needs of fibromyalgia patients who experience cognitive and communication impairments alongside chronic pain. Joseph-Salmon argues that speech-language pathologists should play a more active role in supporting this population, whose cognitive symptoms are often overlooked.

This marks her second national recognition in under a year, following the Students Preparing for Academic and Research Careers Award she received in 2024.

Joseph-Salmon, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2020, said her own struggles fueled her determination to pursue research that addresses gaps in patient care. She credits her mother and early mentors in Antigua for motivating her through her academic journey.

Believed to be among the first Antiguans to complete Howard’s speech-language pathology master’s programme, she says her long-term goal is to contribute directly to Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare landscape.

Joseph-Salmon presented her work at the ASHA Convention held November 20–22, 2025.