10/20/2026
By Jamie Trottier
Psychology students, alumni, and faculty participated in the 47th Annual Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis (BABAT) Conference, held October 7–9, 2026, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Participants presented research, joined panel discussions, and delivered talks on topics spanning applied behavior analysis, autism, behavioral science, professional training, and climate action
Representing the undergraduate Psychology program, the PhD in Psychology program, and the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies (ABAAS) program, students and alumni presented research on behavioral supervision, graduate training, culturally responsive interventions, and language instruction for learners with disabilities. Faculty members also contributed their expertise through panel discussions and invited presentations
Their participation highlighted the breadth of research and professional expertise within the department and the many ways behavioral science can be applied to challenges affecting individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
Student Research Presentations
Oral Presentations
- Jack Blake, Ph.D. student — “Characteristics of Graduate Training Programs Associated with BCBA Examination Pass Rates”
- Jack Blake, Ph.D. student — “A Systematic Review of Behavioral Training for Collaborators in Applied Behavior Analysis and Allied Professions”
- Milja Mankinen, Ph.D. student — “Exploring Feedback Reception in Behavior Analytic Supervision: A Qualitative Analysis”
- Leyla Fanning, Ph.D. student — “Effects of Language of Instruction in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners with Disabilities: A Systematic Review”
Poster Presentations
- Jane Mumo, ABAAS student — “Exploring Feedback Reception in Behavior Analytic Supervision: A Qualitative Analysis”
- Jonathan Labrie, ABAAS student — “Examination of Distributed and Accumulated Breaks and Impulsivity Measures: A Correlational Analysis”
- Jack Blake, PhD student — “Characteristics of Graduate Training Programs Associated with BCBA Examination Pass Rates”
- Marcos De La Cruz, undergraduate Psychology student — “Effects of Parent Training with Culturally Diverse Families on Decreasing Challenging Behaviors: An Extended Systematic Review”
- Yesenia Dominguez, ABAAS alumna — “The Impact of Language Instruction on Acquisition of One-Step Directions in Emergent Bilingual Learners with Autism”
- Karen Salazar Laverde, PhD student — “A Systematic Review of Culturally Adapted Interventions for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and their Caregivers”
The student presentations and posters addressed a broad range of topics, from effective behavioral supervision and professional training to culturally responsive approaches for supporting learners with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Psychology faculty members also contributed to the conference through panel discussions and invited presentations.
Panel Discussions
Anita Li, PhD, Assistant Professor participated in two panels:
- “Women in Leadership: Breaking Glass Ceilings and Transforming Organizations through Behavioral Science”
- “Preserving and Curating the Legacy of B. F. Skinner”
These panels addressed leadership through behavioral science and the preservation of the work and legacy of B. F. Skinner, a foundational figure in the field of behavior analysis.
Two members of the department were invited to share their expertise:
- Brett Gelino, PhD, Assistant Professor — “So Why Aren’t We Doing It? Contextualizing Climate Inaction Within a Reinforcer Economy”
- Douglas Johnson, PhD, adjunct faculty — “Lessons from Behavioral Approaches that Should Inform Your Training Systems”
These invited talks demonstrated the relevance of behavioral science to a range of real-world challenges, including climate inaction and the design of effective training systems.
The department congratulates all participating students, alumni, and faculty on sharing their work and expertise with the broader behavior analysis community.