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First, tell us a little about yourself. 
I graduated from the University of Florida this summer with my Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis. Before that, I worked as a clinician for almost 10 years, performing every possible role in behavior analysis.

Why did you choose to study behavior analysis?
I fell in love with my job as a technician right out of undergrad. I loved helping families and their children and seeing kids learn so many new skills. Then, I fell in love with science as I saw the methods work in so many ways.

What are your main areas of research, and why did you choose those specific areas?
I study behavior-analytic approaches to memory and treatment for people on the spectrum who struggle to answer questions about the past. I am also interested in qualitative approaches to understanding families’ opinions on behavior analytic services, from topics to accessing services for the first time and the quality of services received.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Teaching is so outstanding! I can be a part of the future by helping current students understand these complex topics and eventually apply what they learn. I love seeing students learn and realize how amazing behavior analysis is!

What do you hope your students gain from your courses?
I want them to have a broad understanding of behavior analysis beyond the typical perspective around clinical practice. But if they want to do clinical practice, I want them to be the best clinicians they can be!

What did you do before pursuing a career in academia, and why did you decide to pursue teaching instead?
I was a practicing board-certified behavior analyst. I loved helping children and families but wanted to help create more behavior analysts to help others. I also wanted to be able to dedicate more time to research questions which can be difficult in practice.

When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
I love physically reading fiction and audiobook reading nonfiction, going on runs (I ran my first marathon this year), cooking, and going on adventures with my dogs and husband.

Do you have any fun facts that others may not know about you?
For the behavior analysts in the world, I have never been a registered behavior technician! That did not exist in my day, and by the time it did, I was already a Board-Certified assistant Behavior Analyst. I have no idea what the process of becoming an RBT is firsthand!