Professional Bio: Emma is a third-year doctoral student in the Special Education program at Michigan State University under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Brodhead. She is also the Lab Coordinator for the ABAC. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working with individuals with autism for 12 years. Currently, she is a research assistant and a teaching assistant at MSU and works at various levels at the Early Learning Institute. Prior to coming to MSU, Emma received her Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University in 2017 and her Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 2013. She is currently conducting research on preference assessments and the interaction between edible and leisure items and manualized social-play curricula.

Random Personal Facts: Emma was born in Finland and all of her relatives (i.e., grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) still live there. She loves visiting as often as she can and would highly recommend others to visit as well! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, volunteering at a variety of events, skiing, and more recently, cooking (though she has not quite mastered this skill yet)!

Professional Bio: Allison is a first-year doctoral student in the Special Education program at Michigan State University under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Brodhead. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities for 7 years. Currently, she is a research assistant and the recipient of the Michael A. and Kathryn Gardner Bosco Research Fellowship in Autism. Prior to coming to MSU, Allison received her Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Georgia in 2018 as well as her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Georgia in 2017. Her current research interests include autism treatment, experimental analysis of behavior, and behavioral economics.

Random Personal Facts: Allison grew up in Cumming, Georgia with her mom, dad, and younger brother. Her favorite memories are Saturdays in Athens cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. In her free time, Allison enjoys reading a good mystery novel, taking long walks outside, and listening to podcasts.

Professional Bio: Nikki is a first year master’s student in the ABA Program. She is earning her supervision and practicum hours at the ELI (and loving it!). She attended Alma College for undergrad, and her major was Integrative Physiology/Health Science and her minor was Psychology. Her previous work experiences include working as a Deaf/Hard of Hearing Parapro and as a rehab tech working with Brain/spinal cord injury patients.

Random Personal Facts: Nikki was born and raised in Michigan and will never leave! Her heart belongs to her mutt, Leela, who she rescued this year. When she’s not doing school things, she is usually doing things with her dog. Fun fact: Nikki spent a month in New Zealand for a class in undergrad!  

Professional Bio: Isaac is a first-year graduate student in the ABA program. He is earning his practicum hours at the Early Learning Institute providing behavioral intervention services for children with Autism.  Isaac grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin and earned his bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  He has worked with children with Autism for two years and is excited to continue to gain experience with children and learn how to be a natural scientist. Isaac is intrigued by behavioral research and loves the continuously growing field of behavior analysis. He has experience conducting research on the effect of different error-correction procedures for children with autism.

Random Personal Fact: Isaac has three siblings, including an identical twin brother.  He has four nieces and two nephews and values time spent with his family.

Professional Bio: David is a first year master’s student in the ABA Program, under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Brodhead. He is earning his supervision and practicum hours at ELI 2 in Lansing, MI. He attended UCLA for undergrad and received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He has previously worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for adults with developmental disabilities.

Random Fact:  David grew up in Gilroy, CA (the Garlic Capital of the world) and enjoys garlic on most foods. His personal aquarium at home currently contains 15 fish, including 4 platinum angelfish and 3 kissing fish. In his free time, he likes trying new recipes, playing with his housemate’s pets, and watching financial education videos.