Q&A with Shawn Girtler, special ed PhD student

We interviewed Shawn Girtler, a first-year PhD student in the Department of Educational Psychology’s special education program about her interests and what brought her to where she is today.

What are your research interests?

“I am interested in applied behavior analysis and job-training for students in special education that are of secondary transition age. I am motivated to identify evidence-based methods for individualizing and implementing job-training programs to increase community participation and engagement.”

How did your path lead to the Department of Educational Psychology and your particular major?

“I have been a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) since 2011 and have worked in early intervention autism services and with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities of all ages – early childhood through adulthood. The special education PhD program in Educational Psychology was a great next step for me because I am really interested in applied a behavior analytic approach to special education and job-training for students of secondary transition age.”

What surprised you along the way?

“How much I have learned from other students! The other students in the program and in my cohort are so unique and talented – I have learned so much from them.”

What is something you’ve most enjoyed about your experience?

“I have really enjoyed the collaboration between students and professors. Everyone has such a different background and different strengths that they bring.”

What is most exciting about your work?

“There are so many opportunities to collaborate with other programs, community agencies, and local schools. The possibilities to collaborate and learn from others is the most exciting thing to me.”

How would you describe the student experience and what does that mean to you?

“The student experience is very unique – nowhere else are you able to learn, teach, and do research while managing your own time. It means everything to me that I have an opportunity to grow as a person and professional in this supportive environment.”

What has been most challenging?

“Being a student again! There are so many wonderful things about being an adult learner and there are many unique challenges as well. I have gotten so much better at task completion and time management.”

How have your professors helped you along the way?

“The professors in the special education program truly want all of their students to succeed. It is so unique to have professors that have such a variety of backgrounds and experience.”

What would you like prospective students to know?

“The most important skills you can have and develop is self-advocacy. You have to be willing to ask questions and know that there are people within the program who are ready and willing to help. If you don’t know, ask!”

How has your cohort helped you along the way?

“Everyone in my cohort brings different strengths and experiences to the program and we have been able to support each other in our coursework and research expectations. It is comforting knowing that I have a strong support system of intelligent women that I can rely on.”

How do you plan to use what you are learning/your degree?

There are so many options and since I am so early in the process, I don’t have to know yet! I know that whatever I do will be within the field of applied behavior analysis and will benefit individuals with special needs. I am very excited by the possibilities!