Richard Kalunga, Ph.D.

Dr. Richard Chileshe Kalunga is a pioneering scholar and leader in Speech-Language Pathology, integrating immersive technology and AI to revolutionize clinical training and therapeutic outcomes. As Academic Coordinator at UDC and founder of the Immersive Technology and AI Lab, he drives cutting-edge research and education, shaping the future of digital learning in communication sciences.

Experience

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Disorders, Howard University 
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, University of the District of Columbia 
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology 

Roles

Academic Coordinator, Speech-Language Pathology Program, UDC, 2019-Present 
Founder, The Immersive Technology and AI Lab in Speech-Language Pathology, UDC, 2022-Present 
Founder and President, Act for Change Nonprofit Organization, 2015-Present 
Program Director of Speech-Language Pathology Program, UDC, 2017-19 
Treasurer, District of Columbia Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2018-19 

Courses Taught

Stuttering 
Language Acquisition 
Language Disorders 
Survey of Social Dialects  
Speech and Hearing Disorders and Related Disciplines 
Praxis Preparation Course 
Clinical Forum  
Tests and Measurements 
Voice Disorders 
Introduction to Fluency and Voice Disorders 
Introduction to Articulation and Language Disorders 
Speech-Language Pathology 
Procedures and Methods in the Management of Communication Disorders 
Observations for Communication Disorders 
Phonological Disorders 
Articulation and Phonological Disorders 

Expertise

Specialist in fluency disorders assessment and intervention 

Overseer of the use of technology and innovation to enrich student learning experiences and enhance student and program outcomes 

Spearhead of the the Immersive Technology and AI Lab in Speech-Language Pathology 

Leader of the initiative to transform the Blackboard Learning Management System into a central hub for learning and outcomes assessment for the SLP Program 

Research Focus / Works in Progress

Leveraging virtual reality and artificial intelligence in academic and clinical settings; digital transformation in teaching and learning; pedagogy that promotes long-term deep learning and critical thinking; technology enhance assessment and intervention in speech-language pathology 

Leadership

Academic Coordinator, Speech-Language Pathology Program, UDC, 2019-Present 
Fonder, The Immersive Technology and AI Lab in Speech-Language Pathology, 2022-Present 
Founder and President, Act for Change Nonprofit Organization, 2015-Present 
Reviewer, Scientific Committee of the International Conference on Education and New Developments, 2023-Present 
Myrtilla Miner Faculty Fellow, Center for the Advancement of Learning, 2022-24 

Impact

Selected Publications

Kalunga, R., & Elshobokshy, F. (2024). A multipronged approach to harnessing virtual reality to advance the HBCU mission. Faculty Focus. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/equality-inclusion-and-diversity/a-multipronged-approach-to-harnessing-virtual-reality-to-advance-the-hbcu-mission/ 

Kalunga, R., & Elshobokshy, F. (2023). Using immersive technologies to enhance student learning outcomes in clinical sciences education and training. In M. Carmo (Ed.), Education and new developments 2023, volume 2. inScience Press. https://end-educationconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Education-and-New-Developments_2023_Vol_II.pdf 

Kalunga, R., & Elshobokshy, F. (2023). Integrating immersive technologies into clinical sciences curriculum to improve learning and therapeutic outcomes. In Proceedings of EDULEARN23. IATED. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2023.0091 

Kalunga, R. (2023). An investigation of the differences in phonological awareness performance based on cognitive style. Journal of the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing, 18(1), 96-117. https://doi.org/10.58907/HXFI1122. 

Matilla, M., Mak, J., Lewis, A., & Kalunga, R. (2023). Broadening participation: A model for developing the next generation of principal investigators. CIRCLS - Center for Integrative Research in Computers and Learning Sciences. https://circls.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/11/circls23_broadening_participation-brochure

Selected Presentations

Kalunga, R., & Elshobokshy, F. (2024). A multipronged approach to harnessing virtual reality to advance the HBCU mission. UNCF Summit for Black Higher Education, Atlanta, Georgia. 

Kalunga, R., & Elshobokshy, F. (2023). Integrating immersive technologies into clinical sciences curriculum to improve learning and therapeutic outcomes. 15th Annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. 

Kalunga, R., & Elshobokshy, F. (2023). Harnessing emerging technologies to deliver ecologically valid precision therapeutics. TechConnect World Innovation Conference, National Harbor, Maryland. 

Selected Grants

University of the District of Columbia. (2022). UDC-VR training and research hub. 

Recognitions

Catalyst Award for Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness, Anthology, 2024 
Leader of Promise, University of the District of Columbia College of Arts and Sciences, 2018 

Invited Participations

Kalunga, R. (2025). The Stuttering Association for the Young DC Benefit Committee, Washington, D.C. 

Kalunga, R. (2024). Advancing the Mission of the Urban HBCU: Showcasing Excellence, Washington, D.C. 

Kalunga, R. (2023). Integrating VR into the curriculum to enhance engagement and learning. UDC- CAS Teaching-Learning Roundtable, Washington, D.C. 

Kalunga, R. (2023). Integrating immersive technologies in your course. UDC-CAL Professional Development Webinar, Washington, D.C.  

Kalunga, R. (2023). Teaching by experimentation. UDC Professional Development Day, Washington, D.C.