SHREVEPORT – Undergraduate and graduate students in LSUS’s Applied Behavioral Analysis programs have been putting their knowledge to use through research.
Four students, one alumna, and four faculty members presented that research at the Gulf Coast ABA Conference this past month.
As a newer program (undergraduate program began in 2021 with a graduate degree starting in 2024), appearing for a second straight year at a respected regional conference provides visibility.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students and faculty to showcase their work, engage with professionals and researchers from across the field, and represent LSUS on a regional stage,” said Dr. Brenna Griffen, assistant professor of psychology. “The conference provided valuable networking, professional development, and scholarly opportunities for everyone involved.
“Our students gained first-hand experience presenting their work, discussing emerging trends in the field, and building connections that can support their future careers.”
ABA is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior, using positive reinforcement to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.
Recent graduate Jana Beauboeuf and graduate student Lipika Chakrabarty spoke in a symposium about the implications of ABA services with children as it relates to emerging delay discounting research.
Emerging delay discounting research explains why people might choose a smaller, more immediate reward over a larger reward that requires longer to obtain.
LSUS faculty members Dr. Seth Whiting and Dr. Richmond Mancil also contributed to the topic with presentations at the conference.
Chakrabarty summarized the symposium topic of effective supervision and staff training techniques, to which LSUS faculty Dr. Rosie Cooper, Griffen, and Mancil contributed.
Four students also showcased their individual research posters, all of which centered around children and impacting challenging behaviors. Graduate students Hannah Haworth, Chloe Giovengo, Chakrabarty, and undergraduate student Anna Claire Magoun presented poster research.
“Presentation and networking experiences are incredibly important to student success,” Griffen said. “Whether our students are presenting clinical recommendations to stakeholders, training staff, or sharing research with the professional community, strong communication and professionalism skills help them stand out and ultimately improve the quality of services provided to clients and families.
“One of the primary goals of our programs is to develop leaders in the field who will advance evidence-based practices and positively impact their communities. Participating in professional conferences is an essential part of that process that will allow students to build confidence, receive feedback from experts, and engage in meaningful conversations about emerging trends and best practices.”
LSUS is active in local partnerships for student internships, getting real-world experience in working directly with clients in assessments and evaluations.
A few local partners include Holy Angels, Family Solutions Counseling, the Louisiana Autism Center, and the Goldman Schools through Arc Caddo-Bossier.
These types of experiences are better preparing students for an ABA field that’s experiencing “exponential, explosive growth,” according to labor reports from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The BACB reported that nationwide job postings for Board Certified Behavior Analysts surged 28% just from 2024 to 2025, adding that there’s an acute labor shortage.
The BLS lumps into a broader category of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, which is projected to grow 19% through 2035.
Learn more about LSUS’s undergraduate and graduate programs.
