About
Welcome to the Deshais Applied Behavior Analysis Lab (DABAL) led by Dr. Meghan A. Deshais. The mission of DABAL is to develop the next generation of behavior scientists and leaders in field of applied behavior analysis. We value collaboration, integrity, compassion, and joy in our scholarship.
Research Aims
- Application of behavior analysis to novel areas
- Contingency management
- Group contingencies
- Establishing generalized imitation in autistic children
Active Research Projects
Contingency Management (Launched 2024)
Using a co-production model, we are developing a wellness-enhanced contingency management smartphone application for individuals who struggle with stimulant use.
We are co-designing a contingency management intervention aimed at increasing appointment attendance to behavioral health appointments for individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use.
In collaboration with two researchers from the Rutgers University School of Social work and School of Communication and Information, we are assessing the impact of several behavioral interventions including contingency management on problematic smartphone use.
We have evaluated the effects of contingency management on several health-related behaviors (e.g., social media usage, physical activity).
EMIT: Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (Launched 2022)
We developed and are currently evaluating a comprehensive intervention package designed to rapidly establish generalized imitation in autistic children.
Personnel
Core Faculty: Meghan A. Deshais, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Students: Lindsey Norton