Jessica Gamba, PhD, BCBA-D
Title: Assistant Professor
Programs/Classes Taught:
- MS/EdS in Applied Behavior Analysis
- AB 501 - Measurement and Research Methods
- AB 511/611 - Functional Assessment and Intervention
- ABA 516 - Radical Behaviorism
- AB 512 - Verbal Behavior
- AB 517 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- AB 590 - Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis
Areas of Expertise: Applied behavior analysis, Behavior-analytic college teaching (programmed instruction, interteaching, personalized systems of instruction, gamification), Instructional design, Radical behaviorism
Biography: Following applied experiences of in-home therapy, K-12 classroom management, and independent living service coordination, I became a full-time professor of behavior analysis in 2011. I have developed and taught on-ground, blended, and fully online coursework on a wide range of topics including verbal behavior, experimental analysis of behavior, functional assessment and intervention, and radical behaviorism – the common thread of the science of human behavior is what excites me as both a teacher and an eternal student.
Education:
- PhD Behavior Analysis - The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- MA Behavior Analysis - The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- BA Psychology - California State University Sacramento
Research and Interests: Behavior analysis is not only the science of human behavior, but also the science of learning. As such, my teaching philosophy is strongly grounded in this field. A common behavior-analytic saying is, “the learner knows best”. This means that, if a student is not successful in one of my courses, my goal is to alter my own strategies and the course environment to better ensure that success. While I aim to be flexible in my teaching style, what I find to be critical for all students is ongoing interaction with course material, timely submissions and communication, and self-advocacy. One of my roles is that of a facilitator, and students should feel free to approach me for help and suggestions.
My research interests include behavior-analytic teaching methods and instructional design, stimulus equivalence, verbal behavior, functional analysis, and basic experimental analysis of human behavior.
Contact Information:
- Email - jgamba@nl.edu
- Phone - 312.261.3649
