My research focuses on the application of principles and conceptual frameworks from basic research to improve assessments and treatments for children with autism. Currently, I am interested in extending research on conditioned reinforcement and behavioral economics to understand why children with autism tend not to seek out eye-contact, praise, or affection from adults as much as typically-developing peers. Potential outcomes of this research may lead to better assessments to describe the effects of interventions as well as the identification of new avenues for treatment.

In addition, I am interested in the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior and am collaborating with Dr. Sarah Bloom from the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation to create USU's first Severe Behavior Clinic housed at the Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD). The clinic uses an outpatient model to provide behavioral analytic services in a research setting. These services include assessment and treatment in the form of preference assessments, functional analyses, data-driven interventions, and caregiver training. Along those lines, I am interested in how concepts like reinstatement, resurgence, and renewal may be used as models that help describe the persistence of appropriate and problem behavior.

I am currently seeking interested students to start during the Spring 2010 and Fall 2010 semesters.