Dr. Briggs is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). He received his early training in behavior analysis at Western Michigan University and more specifically in applied behavior analysis and developmental disabilities at Auburn University with Drs. Jim Carr and Linda LeBlanc. Dr. Briggs earned his PhD in Behavioral Psychology from the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas under the mentorship of Dr. Claudia Dozier. Dr. Briggs has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) since 2009 and a Licensed Behavior Analysis (LBA) in the state of Michigan since 2020.
Dr. Briggs was the recipient of the 2017 APA Division 25 SEAB Applied Dissertation Award and the 2016 Baer, Wolf, and Risley Outstanding Graduate Student Award for excellence in teaching, research, and service. He currently serves on the editorial boards for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavior Analysis in Practice. In addition, Dr. Briggs serves as a Guest AE for Education and Treatment of Children.
Prior to joining the faculty at EMU, Dr. Briggs completed a two-year Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders under the mentorship of Dr. Wayne Fisher. Specifically, Dr. Briggs functioned as a case manager in the severe behavior clinic and assisted with the oversight and implementation of several lines of NIH grant-funded research focused on the integration of stimulus control technology with the quantitative predictions of behavioral momentum theory to promote the practicality, generality, and durability of function-based interventions for severe destructive behavior.
Andi Peterson is a first-year doctoral student studying clinical psychology under the mentorship of Dr. Adam Briggs. Prior to coming to EMU, Andi earned her master’s in applied behavior analysis at Michigan State University and obtained her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. Her research interests include using evidence-based behavioral strategies to teach individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders functional skills to improve their safety, independence, and quality of life. In her free time, Andi enjoys playing any sport that includes a ball, traveling, finding the best coffee shops in every town, and spending time with family and friends.
Skylar DeWitt is a first-year doctoral student studying clinical psychology under the mentorship of Dr. Adam Briggs. Prior to coming to EMU, Skylar earned her bachelor’s in psychology at Michigan State University and worked as a registered behavior technician at Autism Centers of Michigan (AcornHealth). Her research interests include verbal behavior and how applied behavior analysis can be used to improve treatment in children with expressive language difficulties. In her free time, Skylar enjoys watching movies and logging them on Letterboxd, traveling, and spending time with her cat, Pitou.
Eleah Sunde is a third year doctoral student in EMU’s clinical psychology program and her primary mentor is Dr. James Todd. Prior to coming to EMU she completed her undergraduate education at Seattle Pacific University where she worked in a lab examining self-regulation in children with autism. She also served as a registered behavior technician providing early intervention services to children with autism. Her general research interests include the application of behavioral principles to the treatment of clinical populations and caregiver training. Eleah is the most happy when she is playing board games with family and friends, cooking new foods or exploring new places.
Samantha Zohr is a second-year doctoral student studying clinical psychology under Dr. Claudia Drossel. Prior to starting the doctoral program, Samantha earned her master’s in clinical behavioral psychology at Eastern Michigan University and obtained her limited psychologist license (LLP). Her research interests include the evaluation of evidenced-based treatment and assessment approaches used for populations with severe behavioral disturbances and functional impairments, such as children with neurodevelopmental disorders and older adults with neurocognitive disorders. Additionally, she is interested in identifying ways to improve staff training standards and procedures for persons working in behavioral health-related fields. In her freetime, Samantha enjoys engaging in outdoor activities with family and friends, such as camping, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Sarah Abunada is currently enrolled in the Clinical Behavioral Masters program at Eastern Michigan University. Sarah completed her undergraduate Bachelor's degree at Oakland University from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Biology. She currently works as a behavior technician providing applied behavioral interventions to children with Autism. Sarah hopes to pursue her BCBA and LLP and ultimately work as a clinician providing clinical interventions for neurodevelopmental/neurological disorders. Her primary research interests are in EIBI (early intensive behavioral intervention) as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy and ways to improve the safety and efficacy of behavioral health care settings. During her free time, Sarah enjoys having a good cup of coffee and spending quality time with family.
Brittany Loder is a first-year graduate student in the clinical behavioral psychology master’s program at Eastern Michigan University. Prior to her time at Eastern, Brittany graduated with cum laude honors from Albion College in 2017. She currently works as a behavior technician and graduate student at a center providing early intervention services to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, her research and clinical interests include the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior in individuals with autism, as well as providing parent education and training in relation to severe problem behavior. In her free time, Brittany enjoys being outside, working out, and spending time with family.
Alyssa Miller is a first-year student in the clinical behavioral psychology master’s program at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). In her undergraduate career, Alyssa also attended EMU where she graduated summa cum laude with university honors. Alyssa has been involved in the Behavior Analysis Research lab since the summer of 2019. During this time, she has assisted in writing manuals for the Autism Collaborative Center and has completed IOA on the study “Effectively Training Behavior Technicians to Use DTT Efficiently.”
Alyssa works as a behavior technician at ABA Insight in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Along with her work there, she is the graduate assistant of facility scheduling and supervisor scheduling for EMU's Recreational and Intramural Department. Alyssa’s research interests include using strategies to help individuals with severe problem behavior function more appropriately in their environments. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys doing yoga, meditating, going to parks with her rescue dog, and performing in theater productions.
Yasmin is a fourth year undergraduate student studying psychology with an applied behavior analysis concentration and a minor in social work. Through participating in the Behavior Analysis Research Lab, Yasmin aims to expand her knowledge and understanding of ABA principles and research. Additionally, she hopes to strengthen her repertoire of discussing and analyzing ABA research with colleagues. She currently works as a Registered Behavior Technician, and wishes to continue working in the ABA field. After graduation, Yasmin hopes to attend graduate school in an ABA program. In her free time, Yasmin enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Jaimie Barr is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology and neuroscience interdisciplinary studies and minoring in human nutrition and biology. She is currently working with the lab on a survey project to identify the prevalence of waitlist for ABA services in Michigan and to determine the needs and barriers experienced by caregivers while on a waitlist. Jaimie is looking forward to extending her knowledge of ABA and learning ways to apply ABA in many different fields through the Behavior Analysis Research Lab. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school in a clinical psychology program. Outside of the lab, Jaimie enjoys reading science-fiction novels and spending time with her friends and family.
Picture:
Left: Kaitlyn Barr (Sister) Right: Jaimie Barr
.jpg)
