Andrew Buck joined Nisonger Center in 2013 and currently serves as a Research Scientist in the Transition and Adult Life Services department and on the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center project. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy from The Ohio State University. Andrew’s career as an education specialist includes roles in academic research, professional development training, curriculum development, and teaching and advising students with ID/DD in secondary and postsecondary settings. He facilitates the RRTC’s panel of stakeholders with ID/DD and provides guidance to the RRTC researchers on knowledge translation activities and clear language product development.
The Ohio State University
The Northeast Hub team, led by The Ohio State University, will study what support services are valued by students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and promote academic success; and which academic, social, and employment experiences are correlated with increased employment outcomes.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center has been in existence since 1966, among the first group of federally-funded University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). The Nisonger Center has a reputation for its interdisciplinary research, education/training, clinical services, and dissemination activities. With a strong and dynamic interdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, teachers, staff, and trainees, the faculty and staff of the Nisonger Center strive to improve the lives of people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities across their lifespan. Nisonger Center is proud to be part of The OSU Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine, Office of Health Sciences, and Ohio State’s Neurological Institute. We have approximately 120 faculty and staff from more than 15 professional disciplines across six OSU colleges (Medicine, Public Health, Dentistry, Nursing, Arts & Sciences, and Education & Human Ecology). The OSU Nisonger Center’s mission is to improve the lives of people with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. We accomplish our mission with a vision of developing and providing the highest quality interdisciplinary care, education, and research to support people with neurodevelopmental disorders in all aspects of community life.
Leadership
- Andrew Buck, Research Scientist, Nisonger Center, serves as STEM faculty mentor, Hub Lead, and CLI; Chairs the Hub Working committee and leads the hub research study.
- Karen Krainz Edison, Program Manager, assists the Hub Lead in coordinating activities of the hub.
- Dr. Margaretha Izzo, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Program Director, Transition Services, Nisonger Center, serves as a hub advisor.
Gallaudet University
Gallaudet is the only university in the world where students live and learn in American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Here being deaf is not something to overcome, but the place to embrace oneself, build connections within and beyond the signing and deaf community. At Gallaudet, our students find affirmative and positive acceptance of who they are and all they have to offer our world. The freedom to communicate easily with everyone around them without barriers changes students’ lives.
Leadership
- Dr. Tugba Kucukkal, Associate Professor of Chemistry, serves as a STEM faculty mentor and CLI.
- Dr. Adebowle Ogunjirin, Associate Professor of Biology, serves as a STEM faculty mentor.
Landmark University
While many colleges offer special programs for students with learning disabilities (LD) and other learning challenges, Landmark College is one of the only accredited colleges in the United States designed exclusively for students who learn differently, including students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism.
Landmark College’s mission is to transform the way students learn, educators teach, and the public thinks about education. We provide approaches to learning that empower individuals who learn differently to exceed their aspirations and to achieve their greatest potential. Through the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training, the College aims to extend its mission across the nation and throughout the world.
Here at Landmark College, students learn how to learn, and this knowledge helps them become more confident and independent.
Leadership
- Dr. Richard L. Bryck, Dean, Educational Research and Innovation, serves as a STEM faculty mentor and CLI.
- Dr. Alyssa Lawson, Research Associate, Campus Co-Lead
Purdue University
Purdue University is a public land-grant research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, and the flagship campus of the Purdue University system. The main campus in West Lafayette offers more than 200 majors for undergraduates, over 69 masters and doctoral programs, and professional degrees in pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and doctor of nursing practice. In addition, Purdue has 18 intercollegiate sports teams and more than 900 student organizations.
Leadership
- Dr. Bradley S. Duerstock, Associate Professor of Engineering Practice; serves as a STEM faculty mentor and CLI.
- Srinidhi TC, Graduate Student in Computer Graphics and Technology; serves as Project Coordinator.
- Shireen Hafeez, Founder and President of Deaf Kids CODE; serves on Advisory Board and as network consultant.
University of Connecticut
Champions in everything we do. The state’s flagship institution of higher education, the University of Connecticut is governed by a board of trustees who are among the premier entrepreneurs, strategists, and educators in their fields. From the research lab to the court, pushing limits is in Huskies’ DNA. We embrace every challenge, whether sustaining energy for the game or for the planet. At UConn, brilliant minds and the dynamic global community that is UConn Nation come together to drive toward a brighter tomorrow.
Leadership
- Erin Scanlon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Residence, Department of Physics, serves as CLI and STEM Faculty Mentor.
- Shea Charles, M.A., Graduate Assistant, assists in program management and development.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers students a balance of educational excellence and real-world experience. UC is a public research university with an enrollment of nearly 48,000 students and is ranked No. 4 in the nation for co-ops and internships by U.S. News & World Report (No. 1 among public institutions). The University serves the people of Ohio, the nation, and the world as a premier, public, urban research university dedicated to undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, experience-based learning, and research. We are committed to excellence in our students, faculty, staff, and all of our activities. We provide an environment where innovation and freedom of intellectual inquiry flourish. Through scholarship, service, partnerships, and leadership, we create opportunity, develop educated and engaged citizens, enhance the economy and enrich our University, city, state and global community.
Leadership
- Dr. Christina Carnahan, Associate Professor of Special Education, School of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, serves as CLI
- Aaron Burdette, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, serves as STEM Faculty Mentor
- Hayley Curtsinger, Master’s degree student, Psychology, Graduate Assistant
Supports for students with disabilities
College students who use a variety of support services are significantly more successful in STEM degree completion (Newman, Madaus, Lalor, & Javitz, 2019).
The Northeast Hub will focus student supports on academic outcomes, social outcomes, and employment outcomes. The Northeast Hub programs will combine services focused on academic outcomes, such as STEM tutoring (department and private tutor), disability support accommodations (extended time, distraction free environment for testing, notetakers, etc.), and assistive technology (speech-to-text; text-to-speech; electronic notetaker pens; etc.). Support related to social outcomes will include peer mentoring and mentoring by teacher/faculty members, social skills instruction, and life coaching with a trained facilitator. Employment-focused support services include career services (i.e., career fairs, stipends, job placement services, job coaching services) and services provided by disability services/organizations (i.e., campus disability office, VR – job placement services, job coaching services).
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