Association for Behavior Analysis International

Volume 30 | 2007 | Number 1

Convention Higlights: Professional Development Series

The professional development series is an initiative of the ABA Student Committee. All conference attendees are welcome.

Advice from the Recently Hired

Chair: Katherine R. Krohn (University of Tennessee)

Sunday, May 27; 10:30 a.m.

Becky Penrod (Sacramento State University)
Ginger Wilson (ABRITE, LLC)
Timothy Weil (Florida State University, Panama City)

Members of this panel will provide information and advice on making the transition from graduate student to member of the professional community. Panelists represent a variety of different educational backgrounds and professional domains.

An Introduction to Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)

Chair: Candice Jostad (Western Michigan University)

Sunday, May 27; 3:00 p.m.

Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel (University of California, Santa Barbara)

Recognized as one of the top state-of-the-art treatments for autism in the United States, the innovative Pivotal Response Treatment uses natural learning opportunities to target and modify key behaviors in children with autism, leading to widespread positive effects on communication, behavior, and social skills. Dr. Lynn Koegel will provide an overview and description of this proven approach, which is the product of 20 years of research from Robert and Lynn Koegel, co-founders of the renowned Koegel Autism Research Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Applying to Graduate School in Behavior Analysis

Chair: Christy A. Alligood (West Virginia University)

Sunday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.

Sarah E. Bloom and Timothy D. Hackenberg (University of Florida)
Daniel Lee Shafto and Richard W. Malott )Western Michigan University)
Adam T. Brewer and Gregory J. Madden (University of Kansas)
Erick M. Dubuque and Patrick M. Ghezzi (University of Nevada, Reno)

Faculty and student panelists from graduate programs in behavior analysis will discuss the application process and take questions from attendees.

Behavior Analysis Around the World

Chair: Marianne L. Jackson (University of Nevada, Reno)

Monday, May 28; 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Linda J. Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno)
Dr. Simon Dymond (University of Wales, Swansea)
Dr. R. Douglas Greer (Columbia University Graduate School and Teachers College)
Jón Grétar Sigurjónsson (National University of Ireland, Galway)

As behavior analysis continues to grow and develop around the world, it is important for the new generation of behavior analysts to be aware of how our science is developing in other countries. Panelists will discuss current dissemination efforts, trends in other countries, and future opportunities in behavior analysis.

Conversation Hour with Prominent Women in Behavior Analysis

Chair: Kate E. Fiske (Rutgers University)

Sunday, May 27; 4:00 p.m.

Dr. Linda J. Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno)
Dr. Maria E. Malott (Association for Behavior Analysis)
Dr. Frances K. McSweeney (Washington State University)
Dr. Janet S. Twyman (Headsprout)

Panelists will discuss their experiences in the field and invite questions from attendees.

Giving Effective Oral Presentations

Chair: Jessica B. Long (West Virginia University)

Sunday, May 27; 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Daniel Adam Openden (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Dr. Amanda Adams (California State University, Fresno)

The panelists will give advice on effective oral presentations, with a focus on presenting to multidisciplinary audiences, including professionals, students, paraprofessionals, and parents. The audience will be invited to ask questions and hold discussions with the panel members.

How to Obtain Grant Funding

Chair: Sharlet D. Butterfield (University of Nevada, Reno)

Sunday, May 27; 9:00 a.m.

Dr. Ron Van Houten (Western Michigan University)
Dr. Donald A. Hantula (Temple University)
Dr. W. Larry Williams (University of Nevada, Reno)
Steven W. Clarke (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)

Panelists will describe some of their experiences in obtaining grant funding for a variety of behavioral projects. They will give some recommendations and advice for being successful in this process and obtaining funding for your research.

Non-Traditional Research Areas and their Role in Behavior Analysis

Chair: Andrew Scherbarth (University of North Texas)

Sunday, May 27; 3:30 p.m.

Dr. Joseph D. Cautilli (Children Crisis Treatment Center/St. Joseph’s University)
Megan Oser (University of Nevada, Reno)
Dr. Ann Branstetter (Missouri State University)
Gretchen S. Thwing (AdvoServ)

In order to highlight some of the non-traditional research topics that are being explored by behavior analysts, this panel brings together researchers and practitioners whose work promises to expand the domains of behavior analysis. The panelists will discuss issues in the areas of chronic pain and behavioral medicine.

On Aspects of Applied Internships in Applied Behavior Analysis

Chair: Amanda C. Adcock (University of North Texas)

Sunday, May 27; 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Marta Leon (Headsprout)
Dr. Robert T. Peyton (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
Natalie B. Jacome (University of North Carolina, Wilmington)
Dr. Katherine V. Powers (Marcus Institute)

Most job indexes predict that the behavioral services field will continue to grow over the next ten years. While this is great news for those working in the field, it suggests a growing challenge to students about to graduate and enter the job market. Specifically, it suggests that the plague of graduates with excellent educations and little-to-no practical experience will continue to spread. In order to help slow this epidemic and to educate ABA’s student members on the opportunities that are available to them while working on their degrees, the panelists will discuss their experiences with applied internships from both a student and a professional perspective.

On Aspects of Being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Chair: Katherine Wamhoff (The University of Texas at Austin)

Saturday, May 26; 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Gerald L. Shook (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Dr. Michele D. Wallace (California State University, Los Angeles)
Dr. Claire Cathleen St. Peter Pipkin (West Virginia University)

As our field continues to grow and expand into many more applied areas, it is becoming increasingly important for practitioners to be held to professional standards. This panel discusses some of the important aspects of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Perspectives on the Future of Behavior Analysis

Chair: Marianne L. Jackson (University of Nevada, Reno)

Sunday, May 27; 10:30 a.m.

Dr. Steven C. Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno)
Dr. Cynthia M. Anderson (University of Oregon)
Dr. Thomas S. Critchfield (Illinois State University)
Dr. William L. Heward (The Ohio State University)

As behavior analysis continues to grow, it is important to understand where the field is headed. To encourage dialogues on the development of the field, this panel will discuss the history of the field, current research and application trends, and the directions that the panel members feel are most important for the continued evolution of the field.

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Chair: Christy A. Alligood (West Virginia University)

Sunday, May 27; 4:30 p.m.

Christy A. Alligood (West Virginia University)
Dr. Karen G. Anderson (West Virginia University)
Dr. Dean C. Williams (University of Kansas)

Panelists will speak from several perspectives on preparing for and completing postdoctoral fellowships.

Research in Non-University Settings

Chair: Jason Vladescu (Central Michigan University)

Sunday, May 27; 2:30 p.m.

Dr. William V. Dube (University of Massachusetts Medical School- Shriver Center)
Dr. D. Daniel Gould (The New England Center for Children)
Dr. Jonathan J. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders)

Panelists from three agencies will talk about their research in non-university settings. Attendees will be invited to ask questions and join in the discussion.

Utilizing Behavior Analysis to Get Through Graduate School

Chair: Kristen Alyssa Rost (Florida Institute of Technology)