About Us
Principal Investigator
Laci Watkins, PhD, BCBA-D
Laci Watkins, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology. A former special educator, her research advances inclusive opportunities for autistic children in schools and communities. Her work focuses on play, social interaction, and peer-mediated strategies; naturalistic interventions; strengthening teacher use of evidence-based practices; and improving methods for analyzing single case experimental design research.
Dr. Watkins is also the director of the CONNECT lab group, which is dedicated to promoting inclusion for autistic children by focusing on communication, peer relationships, and social participation. Our research emphasizes actionable strategies that empower educators, families, and communities to create equitable learning environments and to create lasting impact by translating science into everyday practice.
Dr. Watkins is affiliated with the Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education and the Center on Disability & Development. Her work has been supported by organizations including the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the U.S. Department of Education. She also serves an associate editor of the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities.
Co – Principal Investigators
Hannah Thompson, PhD
Dr. Hannah R. Thompson’s research focuses on the early care and education workforce, emphasizing public systems of support that build sustainable early care structures. A mixed methods researcher, Thompson works closely with rural educators, children, and communities, drawing from her eight years of experience as an early childhood practitioner. Her work also explores trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning and early childhood STEM education. Thompson is committed to supporting educator well-being and advancing community-based approaches to early childhood development.
Projects: NEST
Julie L. Thompson, PhD, BCBA-D
Julie L. Thompson, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Associate Professor of Special Education, Behavioral Learning INterventions in Children (BLINC) Lab Director; Core Faculty Member of the Texas A&M University Institute for Early Childhood Development and Education; and Affiliated Faculty Member of the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University. Julie’s work as a classroom teacher for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) gave her insight into the layered complexities of providing adequate education to individuals with ASD in public schools.
Julie’s BLINC lab uses mixed-methods research to specialize in two areas: academic instruction for students with profound autism and/or intellectual disabilities AND preventing and teaching replacement behaviors to students with interfering problem behaviors in the classroom, in order to support inclusion, communication, independence, and lifelong fulfillment. Julie has been PI on seven externally funded awards totaling $3,864,799 and Co-PI four externally funded awards totaling $30.14 million. Julie has 22 peer-reviewed publications, 58 peer-reviewed presentations, and has chaired or co-chaired 15 doctoral students.
Research Assistants
Christina Fogtman
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current Projects: Project NEST
Department: Educational Psychology
Research Interest: Retention of highly qualified Special Education teachers through meaningful classroom preparation and expectations; AAC and its impacts on behavioral and academic success
Jie Yang
Hometown: Lanzhou, China
Current Projects: Project NEST
Department: Educational Psychology
Research Interest: Dedicated to conducting research on behavior management for students with special needs to enhance their classroom and social participation. Aimed at supporting teachers in effectively implementing inclusive education practices and fostering an inclusive learning environment.