Antiguan Scholar Receives Rare National Recognition for Fibromyalgia Research
An Antiguan-born PhD candidate has earned a coveted distinction from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), placing her work among the highest-rated research presentations at the organization’s annual convention.
Aethiopia Joseph-Salmon, who is pursuing her doctorate at Purdue University after completing a master’s degree at Howard University, was selected for ASHA’s “Meritorious Poster” list — an honour reserved for a small fraction of the 1,586 abstracts submitted this year. Only 88 were chosen.
Her study explores how fibromyalgia patients experience cognitive and communication challenges that frequently go unaddressed in clinical settings. Joseph-Salmon contends that speech-language pathologists could play a larger role in treating these symptoms, which many patients report as being just as disruptive as chronic pain.
The recognition adds to a growing list of accomplishments. In 2024, she received ASHA’s Students Preparing for Academic and Research Careers Award.
Joseph-Salmon was diagnosed with fibromyalgia five years ago and said that navigating the condition pushed her toward research aimed at improving care for others. She also credits her upbringing in Antigua — along with her mother and early mentors — for providing the foundation that carried her through advanced study.
Believed to be one of the first Antiguans to complete Howard University’s speech-language pathology programme, she says her long-term goal is to support the development of speech-language services in Antigua and Barbuda.
Joseph-Salmon presented her findings during the ASHA Convention held from Nov. 20–22, 2025.
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Congratulations well done.