Resources

The Laboratory for Autism Spectrum Disorders is led by Dr. Ashleigh Hillier. Dr. Hillier's research interests focus on adolescents and adults outcomes with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  She is interested in transition and adult outcomes including employment and college success. Dr. Hillier's applied research focuses on evaluating various program interventions for those with ASD including a college preparation mentoring program "Horizons", a social networking group "The Network", and the "Student to Student Mentoring Program" for UMass Lowell Students. She is also interested in financial literacy, gender identity, healthcare experiences, life skills coaching, and responses to music among those with ASD. She directs the Center for Autism Research and Education (CARE) and is also Coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Minor in Disability Studies.  

Language and Learning Lab

The Language and Laboratory Lab is led by Dr. Rocio Rosales. The research is this lab focuses on several avenues related to the application of behavior analysis. One area of interest is on the behavioral interpretation of language development (i.e., Skinner's analysis if verbal behavior), and evaluation of effective and efficient teaching procedures based on this interpretation to establish verbal repertoires of young children with autism spectrum disorder. (ASD), including those learning a second language. Prior projects have included evaluation of computer- based teaching strategies to help students and caregivers learn how to implement interventions with special needs populations; and evaluation of barriers that may impact access to service delivery for families that have a child with ASD that come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Students involved in the Laboratory for Language and Learning gain hands-on experience working with children with ASD via their involvement running a playgroup at a community center in downtown Lowell. This program provides an indispensable service to families in the Lowell community. 

The Center for Research and Community Engagement

The goal of The Center for Research and Community Engagement is to promote the mental health and well being of individuals, families, and communities through education, training, and consultation. Its aim is to provide opportunities for University of Massachusetts faculty, community members, and practicing professionals to work together to integrate theory, research, and practice. The Center sponsors community-based training, professional development workshops, consultation, and research.

Center for Women and Work

The Center for Women and Work is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Since the Center is designed to support a wide range of projects, there are exciting opportunities for student involvement in both research and community-based action projects relevant to the theme of women and work.