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Faculty
Our faculty are a unique blend of researchers, educators and professionals who are proven experts in their fields.
Natalia A. Baires, Clinical Assistant Professor and Online Program Director
Behavior Analysis Therapy (Online)
Dr. Natalia Baires (pronounced "by-res") is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Program Director for the online Behavior Analysis and Therapy programs. An English-Spanish bilingual, doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), Dr. Baires earned her Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University (SIU) in 2020. Her research interests include culturally responsive interventions/service delivery, social justice and equity within and outside the field of behavior analysis, verbal behavior, the role of language and cognition from a Relational Frame Theory framework, and the use of Acceptance and Commitment Training to ensure sustainable behavioral flexibility and psychological well-being.
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Office: Life Science II, 281
Phone: 618-453-3529
natalia.baires@siu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Paige S. Boydston, Clinical Assistant Professor
Behavior Analysis Therapy (Online)
Dr. Paige Boydston earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at Southern Illinois University, with an emphasis on Behavior Analysis and Therapy. She has worked with individuals and families impacted by autism for over 15 years in home, community, school, and residential settings. Dr. Boydston continues to provide clinical services to individuals in rural and remote areas in addition to teaching. Research interests include parent training, telehealth, applications of early intensive intervention procedures to older children and adolescents, and gender equality in the field of behavior analysis.
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Camilo Hurtado-Parrado, Assistant Professor
Behavior Analysis and Therapy (On-campus)
Dr. Hurtado-Parrado’s research focuses on the understanding of human and nonhuman learning and behavioral processes, especially how they are regulated by aversive events (e.g., effects of aversive stimuli on memory, self-control, problem-solving, verbal behavior, rule following, and conciliation).
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Office: Life Science II, 281
Phone: 618-536-2302
camilo.parrado@siu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Eric Jacobs, Associate Professor
Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Applied Psychology; Behavior Analysis and Therapy (On-campus)
Eric A. Jacobs (Ph.D, 1997, Experimental Psychology, University of Florida) completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Vermont and is now an Associate professor in the Applied Psychology and Brain and Cognitive Sciences programs. His research interests include human operant behavior, quantitative analyses of choice and decision-making (e.g., delay discounting, "self-control", & "impulsivity"), applied behavior analysis, behavioral economics, behavioral ecology, and behavioral pharmacology.
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Office: Life Science II, 275A
Phone: 618-453-3555
eajacobs@siu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Operant Conditioning and Learning Lab
Ryan Redner, Professor
Behavior Analysis and Therapy (On-campus)
Ryan Redner is a Professor and Program Director of the Behavior Analysis and Therapy program. Ryan received his Doctoral degree from Western Michigan University under Dr. Alan Poling and went on to complete a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Vermont in the area of Behavior and Health with Dr. Stephen T. Higgins. He studies the personal health choices that lead to premature death and exorbitant health care costs in the United States (cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle).
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Office: Rehn Hall, 335A
Phone: 618-453-8295
rredner@siu.edu
Lesley Shawler, Assistant Professor
Behavior Analysis and Therapy (On-campus)
Dr. Lesley Shawler is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and earned her Ph.D. from the Institute of Applied Behavior Studies - Endicott College in 2019 under the advisement of Dr. Caio Miguel. She completed a two year postdoctoral fellowship at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Neurobehavioral Unit and Clinical Outcomes department. Dr. Shawler has experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses across the lifespan and in a myriad of settings. Her main expertise includes the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior and teaching verbal behavior to individuals with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
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Office: Life Sciences II, 275B
Phone: 618-536-2302
lesley.shawler@siu.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Natalie F. Williams Awodeha, Clinical Assistant Professor
Behavior Analysis and Therapy (Online)
Originally from Oklahoma City, Dr. Williams Awodeha holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Oklahoma, M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Langston University, and Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Ohio University. She completed the BACB-approved course sequence at Florida Institute of Technology. Research interests include cultural and linguistic inclusion in ABA, employment disparities for African Americans with cognitive disabilities, and peer-to-peer support groups for women of color with mental health concerns (see CV for complete list of publications).
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