Johnna Tanji
TUCSON, AZ–Johnna Tanji, a fourth-year AuD student at the University of Arizona in Tucson, has been awarded the annual Judith Gravel Fellowship in Pediatric Audiology. The fellowship honors the memory of the late Judy Gravel, PhD, a prominent and beloved audiologist who did much to advance the audiologic care of children in the United States and beyond.
The Hear the World Foundation, which is funded by Sonova, parent company of Phonak and Unitron, created the Judith Gravel Fellowship in 2010, two years after her untimely death.
Tanji, a native of Honolulu, completed her undergraduate degree in physics and Asian studies at Beloit College. Before entering graduate school, she spent two years in Japan teaching English. Currently, she is a fellow in the Arizona Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (AZLEND) Program. She will complete the Gravel Fellowship in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.
The review committee for the fellowship program noted that among the many outstanding applicants, Johnna Tanji “stood out because of her international service, her background in basic science, and her passion for pediatric audiology.”
When told that she has been selected for the fellowship, the recipient said she felt deeply humbled by the honor. She said, “I admire Dr. Judith Gravel’s leadership and scholarship contributions to the field of pediatric audiology. This externship opportunity will allow me to gain foundational skills in pediatric audiology so that I can better serve children with hearing loss and their families.”
ABOUT THE AWARD AND THE WOMAN IT HONORS
Judy Gravel
Richard Seewald, PhD, a member of Hear the World’s advisory board, said, “Dr. Gravel was internationally renowned for her expertise in pediatric audiology and for her many contributions to clinical research and professional service. She is also remembered for her dedication to the advancement of educational opportunities for students and clinicians.” Seewald, who is himself an eminent pediatric audiologist, added, “The foundation carries on her mission with this fellowship.”
By supporting the Hear the World Foundation, Sonova seeks to create equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people with hearing loss. Sonova is based in Staefa, Switzerland, and has its main North American office in Warrenton, IL.
Hear the World focuses on projects for children with hearing loss to enable them to develop at the appropriate rate for their age. More than 70 famous ambassadors, including such celebrities such as Placido Domingo, Annie Lennox, and Sting, champion the Hear the World Foundation.
