Rollins Students and Graduates Present Research at FABA Conference

At the 43rd annual FABA conference held in Orlando, Florida, in September, current students from Rollins’ Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science (ABACS) graduate program as well as a group of alumni—many pursuing PhDs—presented original research and projects. Founded in 1980, FABA is the largest statewide organization in the country that is committed to the promotion and support of behavior analysis. The organization promotes the ethical, humane, and effective application of behavior principles in all segments of society, including education, business, rehabilitation facilities, and government.

The number of Rollins graduates presenting at the FABA conference speaks to the success of Rollins’ ABACS program in producing students ready to pursue acclaimed research on human behavior. Following a junior-colleague model to ensure high-quality mentoring, Rollins’ ABACS program is one of only a few master’s programs in the country and the only in Orlando to earn accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

2023 Rollins Presenters

Angie Van Arsdale ’19ABACS

• PhD candidate, University of Florida
• Research presentation: Non-contingent reinforcement (NCR) for feeding treatment

Gabi Beaujour ’23ABACS

• Research presentation: Thesis project collaboration with clinical instructor Stephanie Trauschke comparing how well health and unhealthy rewards work to teach vocal behaviors

Marina Forsythe ’23ABACS

• Research presentation: Thesis project collaboration with ABACS professor ​​Kara Wunderlich examining how behavior analysts are implementing visual analysis

Della Fronte ’25ABACS

• Research presentation: Continuation of research conducted as an undergrad at the University of Florida on teaching intervention techniques to address feeding challenges

Arturo Garcia ’16ABACS

• PhD candidate, University of South Florida
• Research presentation: Sexual abuse, function of lures, addressing runaway behavior, and use of music to increase attending behavior

Stephanie Gonzalez ’18ABACS

• PhD candidate, University of Florida
• Research presentation: Brief behavior consultation

Alexandra Knerr ’20ABACS

• PhD candidate, University of Florida
• Research presentation: Vaping cessation

Nicole Rosa ’22 ’24ABACS

• Research presentation: Social validity of interteaching (a behavior-based teaching method) alongside Trauschke and ABACS professor Michelle Williams

Christina Sheppard ’18 ’20ABACS

• PhD candidate, Florida Institute of Technology
• Research presentation: Survey on treatments for toe walking and providing training for feeding interventions

Carla Thomas ’23ABACS

• Research presentation: Thesis project collaboration with Wunderlich examining the implementation of trial-based functional analysis in a clinic setting