Project Description:
Research conducted by Affiliated Faculty -- associated with UCEDD (CDD) 5-Year Plan and Goals.
The CDD is also strong in the Core Function of Research & Evaluation, due to collaborations with the Texas A&M Faculty and Staff within the College of Education and beyond. Three areas in which the CDD affiliated faculty contributed to the community this fiscal year included: (1) Coaching parents and teachers in best practices for students with autism, (2) Supporting the transition of individuals with disabilities to work, independent living, and community engagement, and (3) Emergency Preparedness.
FY 2026 Highlights:
* The CDD affiliated faculty produced 35 peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals, 3 book chapters. 4 doctoral trainees successfully completed their dissertation.
* The CDD core staff and affiliated faculty presented 71 times at various professional conferences and training sessions.
CDD Affiliated Faculty Receiving New Grants:
Dr. Julie Thompson (PI), Dr. Laci Watkins (Co-PI) received $400,000 for the Project C-TAPP: Comprehensive Teaching, Autism, and Practitioner Preparation
Dr. Laci Watkins (PI), Dr. Julie Thompson (Co-PI), Dr. Hannah Thompson (Co-PI) received $499,295 for the Project NEST: Nurturing Environments for Success Together
Dr. Melissa Fogarty (PI), Dr. Florina Erbeli (Co-PI), Dr. Erinn Whiteside (Co-PI) received $1,431,007 for the Project Elevate: Recruiting, Preparing, and Retaining Leaders in Special Education.
Dr. Xin Li (PI), Dr. Wen Luo (Co-PI), Dr. Florina Erbeli (Co-PI) received $100,000 for the Project "The Future of Student Support: AI-empowered Digital Twin Campus and Virtual Coach for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities and ADHD"
Keyword(s):
research, evaluation, affiliated faculty, knowledge translation
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, National, International
