The Research to Practice (R2P) Lab

Behavior Support Services Clinic Facility.

The Research to Practice (R2P) Lab, directed by Dr. Audrey Hoffmann brings together a team of doctoral students from the Disability Disciplines Doctoral program, master’s students pursuing careers in applied behavior analysis, and undergraduate and master’s students in special education, psychology, or applied behavior analysis. Housed within the Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Department, the R2P Lab is dedicated to using behavioral science to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, those who engage in challenging behaviors, and the professionals and families who serve them. Through research, service, and hands-on student training opportunities in home settings, the Behavioral Support Services (BSS) clinic, and schools, the R2P Lab seeks to bridge the gap between research and real-world application.

About the Lab

The Research to Practice (R2P) Lab, is directed by Dr. Audrey Hoffmann, Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. The goal of the R2P lab is to conduct research and provide services related to the application of the science of human behavior to socially meaningful outcomes. This includes applying behavior analytic principles and procedures to individuals in need of supports for reducing challenging behavior and increasing socially significant skills and behaviors. This also includes applying behavior analytic principles and procedures to the education, training, and supervision of professionals, caregivers, educators, and behavior analytic trainees. We use an evidence-based practice framework integrating scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and client values and contexts to guide our decision-making and service provision.

Lab Research

The R2P Lab engages in research focused on advancing behavior analytic practices to improve the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviors and to develop effective training methods. Dr. Hoffmann is a strong advocate for student involvement in research and mentors students in pursuing their interests across various settings, including schools, homes, and clinical contexts. The R2P Lab’s mission is to produce research that directly informs and enhances practices for individuals with disabilities and those who engage in challenging behaviors.

Dr. Hoffmann’s research centers on three main areas: (a) assessing and intervening to reduce challenging behavior and build skills, (b) training and supervising service providers and caregivers, and (c) studying translational factors that impact ABA practices. Committed to advancing our understanding of behavior, her work aims to directly improve the lives of individuals with challenging behaviors and disabilities, as well as those who support them. Under that we would put bullets with "current projects" and "upcoming projects."

Join our Lab

We welcome undergraduate students to join our lab to gain hands-on experience as behavior technicians or research assistants. This is a valuable opportunity to engage in applied behavior analysis and contribute to meaningful research.

Master’s students pursuing a career in ABA may also be eligible to obtain supervised fieldwork hours through their involvement in lab projects. For those without a master’s degree who are considering graduate school, we encourage you to explore the SPERC Master of Science with ABA coursework program webpage or reach out directly to Dr. Hoffmann.

Dr. Hoffmann recruits doctoral students yearly. She is currently recruiting one doctoral student for the fall of 2026.  If you’re interested in pursuing doctoral training under her advisement, please to reach out to Dr. Hoffmann directly. For general information, please visit the Disability Disciplines Doctoral Program. Applications for fall 2026 are due January of 2026.

BSS Bios:


   Audrey Hoffman headshot

Dr. Audrey Hoffmann, PhD. ,BCBA-D, LBA 

Dr. Hoffmann is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst Doctoral Level (BCBA-D) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Utah. She provides behavioral services and supports to individuals with behavioral needs including, individuals with autism spectrum disorders or intellectual and developmental disabilities; individuals with emotional or behavioral disorders; individuals with challenging behaviors; and individuals seeking support in acquiring socially significant behaviors, including language and social skills.  

She approaches clinical services with an emphasis on involving clients and caregivers to the greatest extent possible when making treatment decisions and recommendations. Treatment and supports are provided in the most relevant setting which may include the home, clinic, or community settings. She is passionate about implementing individualized therapeutic interventions and supports that lead to lasting and meaningful outcomes. 

 
   Emma Preston headshot

Emma Preston, MS

I received my BA in psychology and BS in biology from Mercyhurst University. I received my MS in special education ABA track from Utah State University. I gained experience working in charter schools in Cache Valley, Davis County, Salt Lake, and Utah County, and am currently working with Edith Bowen Laboratory School. I am a doctoral student in the Applied Behavior Analysis specialization of the Disabilities Disciplines program working with Drs. Audrey Hoffmann and Kristen Rolf. My current research interests include group contingencies, special education, and education-based behavior analysis research.

 
   Emma Walton headshot

Emma Walton, MS, PGCE, Ba Hons, RBT, Certified Elementary Teacher

I received my Ba Hons in English Literature from Salford University (UK), Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) from Manchester University (UK), Gifted and Talented Teaching Endorsement through BYU, and Master’s of Science in Special Education & Applied Behavior Analysis from USU. I have over 10 years of experience in applied settings of elementary education across 4 countries. I am currently a second year Ph.D. student, in the Doctorate of Disabilities program.  I receive joint advising from Dr. Audrey Hoffmann and Dr. Kaitlin Bundock in which we are collaborating to dovetail Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education curriculum. My current research interests weave together three strands: 1) social interactions of students with disabilities, 2) pre-service teacher trainings around inclusive practices, and 3) disability advocacy through policy change and information dissemination. Braided together, these strands encompass my passion for improving the lives of students with disabilities.


   Andrea Hoang headshot

Andrea Hoang, M.A., BCBA, LBA

I received my M.A. in Behavior Analysis from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. My professional experience includes delivering Applied Behavior Analysis services across diverse settings such as schools, clinics, and homes, serving clients ranging from early childhood to geriatric populations. A significant portion of my work involves training caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals in ABA methodologies. Currently, I am a second-year doctorate student working under the advisement of Dr. Audrey Hoffmann. My research focuses include evidence-based supervision and training for healthcare professionals working with individuals with various impairments including, neurodevelopmental disabilities and/or neurogenerative diseases.


   Lana Danielyan headshot

Svetlana (Lana) Danielyan, MS., BCBA, LBA

Svetlana (Lana) Danielyan, MS., BCBA, LBA, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2020, has nine years of experience in behavior analysis since 2015. She has held various roles, from behavior technician to clinical supervisor, serving young learners, adolescents, and adults with disabilities. Her profound successes and expertise in assessments and designing evidence-based behavior change interventions are a testament to her dedication and skills in the field of behavior analysis. Currently, Lana is pursuing a Ph.D. in Disability Disciplines with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis under the advisement of Dr. Audrey Hoffmann, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA. Lana is a Graduate Researcher and a Clinician at the Behavior Support Services clinic at the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence. Her passion for supporting learners in reaching independence and quality of life is evident, as is her excitement to mentor and inspire her team to achieve the best outcomes of applied interventions. Lana’s research interests include social skills training interventions for individuals with ASD and developmental disabilities and assessment and interventions for challenging behaviors.


   Erin Wheatley headshot

Erin Wheatley, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

I began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2014 as an RBT working primarily with preschool aged children with autism and quickly fell in love with the science. I completed my master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis through the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2018. While I was in graduate school, I completed my fieldwork experience through a practicum with the university in a home ABA service setting and in a public school special education preschool setting. I passed the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam in November 2018 and worked in Northern Colorado in home and clinic settings as a BCBA between 2018 and 2024 and was also a Clinical Director between 2021 and 2024. I have worked with a wide variety of ages and diagnoses, and most recently have been interested in working more with adolescents and with caregivers. I joined Utah State University in 2024 as a doctoral student and I am interested in increasing efficacy of caregiver training procedures, social-emotional skill programming, and self-management strategies.


   Rhea Palkhiwala headshot

Rhea Palkhiwala, M.Ed

I have a B. Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology. After teaching special education in India, I pursued a Master's in Special Education in Low-Incidence Disabilities at the University of Kansas and completed the coursework to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. I gained experience at Edna A Hill Child Development Center and in Lawrence Public schools. Currently, I am a doctoral student in the disability discipline specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis at Utah State University under the advisement of Dr. Audrey Hoffmann. This year, I am supporting my advisor on a contract with the Utah State Board of Education, where I will be helping school teams on a case-by-case basis



Other Current Lab Members:

  • Patrick Wells, Master's Student and Graduate Assistant, RBT
  • Madison Murphy, Master's Student and Graduate Assistant, RBT
  • Aubrey Woodman, Master's Student and Researcher
  • Emily Knowlton, Undergraduate Student and Research Volunteer, RBT

Past Lab Members: