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Katherine Marks Hartigan Delta Delta - Georgia State University

Postdoctoral Fellow, Boston University

Delta Zeta Women's Membership Organization | Delta Zeta Sorority

Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment

How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?

I was a vocal performance major in college but I found myself talking about the physiology of singing rather than actually singing in my voice lessons. My voice teacher encouraged me to observe the speech-language pathologists at the Emory Voice Center, and I fell in love with what they did. I volunteered at Emory for three years before attending graduate school. I then practiced in a similar interdisciplinary voice setting before returning to earn my Ph.D.

Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?

Edie Hapner is a pioneer in the voice world, and I was extremely fortunate to have found her as a mentor at the Emory Voice Center. She took me under her wing, taught me in both clinical and research settings and promoted me in the field. I learned from her the value of mentorship and that we learn as much from our students as they learn from us.

What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?

It never hurts to plant a seed.

What is the most impactful book you have read, or podcast you have listened to, that relates to you professionally? What made it so impactful?

Recently, I read ”Ask for it – how women can use the power of negotiation to get what they really want” by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever. It relates to any woman in any field, but it has empowered me to be confident in asking for what I want. The advice in this book helped me successfully negotiate for my dream job.

How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?

I volunteer for committees and conferences, I present my research at conferences, and I make the time to maintain relationships with colleagues.

How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?

Over the years, I have had Delta Zeta sisters who have championed behind me (particularly Kat Yang and Allison Goodrich), but I have also made new friends as I have expanded my networks, some of whom are actually Delta Zetas themselves (Rachel Norotsky, Allison Woolridge). That, and my mom, a DZ alum, has been a constant source of love and support from day one.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Sing!

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