Osborne Audiology Student Named to National Student Academy of Audiology Board

In a testament to her leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing the profession of audiology, Brittney Cullen ‘27AUD has been elected to the national Board of Directors of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) as a member-at-large.

It’s another example of Cullen’s willingness to participate in meaningful activities while a student in Osborne Audiology in the College of Nursing and Health Professions on Drexel University’s Elkins Park campus. She has previously served as executive vice president of the Student Council and as chair of the Campus Activities Committee.

“It’s a meaningful accomplishment and recognition, both academically and professionally,” said Cullen of the SAA election. “I am honored to have the opportunity to advocate for the profession of audiology on a national level.”

Radhika Aravamudhan, PhD, EdD, chair and program director of Osborne Audiology, said Cullen continues to demonstrate a passion for service, advocacy, and student engagement.

“Her selection to this national role reflects not only her individual achievements, but also the strength of our community in preparing future leaders,” said Dr. Aravamudhan. “Moments like these are a source of great pride for all of us. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make in this role.”

According to Cullen, the SAA board position was a role she actively sought. She went through a rigorous application process, which included a written and a panel interview to make the ballot. Once she secured a place on the ballot, SAA members from across the country voted to determine who would sit on the Board of Directors.

“I believe my roles in other organizations on the Elkins Park campus have prepared me to manage large-scale initiatives with many moving parts while staying detail-oriented and efficient,” said Cullen. “I am passionate about audiology and care deeply about advocacy, both for the profession and for the students.”

One of the main roles of the SAA board is to help plan the student programming for the annual American Academy of Audiology (AAA) conference, which will be in April 2027 in St. Louis, Missouri. Cullen is also particularly interested in helping advance the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act MAAIA (H.R. 2757/S. 1996) legislation aimed at modernizing Medicare by allowing direct beneficiary access to audiologists. It removes the requirement for a physician referral, reclassifies audiologists as practitioners to enable expanded telehealth services, and authorizes reimbursement for Medicare-covered diagnostic and treatment services. 

“Additionally, I hope to be someone (Osborne Audiology and all) students feel comfortable approaching with questions, comments, and concerns, and to help elevate those perspectives to leaders and professionals to enhance the overall student experience,” said Cullen. 

Her term on the board is for one year, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.