Joo Hee Yang

As a Behavior Technician, I worked with children aged 2 to 12, managing a diverse range of behaviors from mild to severe. This role provided hands-on experience in implementing individualized treatment plans and applying behavior analysis techniques in real-world settings. Working directly with each child, I utilized data-driven approaches to support skill acquisition and behavior reduction goals, tailored to their unique needs.

During my practicum, I gained proficiency in creating comprehensive treatment plans based on data collected through assessments such as the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS). I developed and administered structured interview questions for parents to gather in-depth information, ensuring a holistic understanding of each child's behavior and environment. Additionally, I conducted professional parent meetings, presenting findings and collaborating on intervention strategies to promote consistency across settings.

This experience also allowed me to learn how the BACB Ethics Code is applied in practice. I navigated ethical considerations in various scenarios, ensuring that all interventions were conducted with the highest level of professional integrity and in the best interest of the child. This role significantly enhanced my skills in behavior analysis, data collection, and ethical decision-making, preparing me for more advanced responsibilities in the field.

Collaborating closely with team members, I conducted in-depth literature reviews and contributed to the development of research protocols and procedures. I have reviewed numerous research articles on Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), honing my skills in analyzing and categorizing information according to established standards. My experience includes demonstrating advanced proficiency in data collection, tracking, and recording, particularly in the application of various functional assessment procedures. My expertise in the principles and practices of Applied Behavior Analysis has been integral to my contributions in research design and data analysis.

Throughout my academic journey, I gained a strong foundation in the neurological, biological, clinical, and audiological aspects of human behaviors and disorders. However, I recognized a gap in my understanding of the sociological and cultural factors influencing these behaviors. Driven by a desire to explore the relationship between socioeconomic status, race, gender, and behavioral issues, I reached out to a sociology professor at Michigan State University, Dr. Kim, to deepen my knowledge in this area. Immediately after graduating from college, I collaborated with Dr. Kim to broaden my perspective. Through this engagement, I learned that diverse cultures have varying ideals and approaches to therapy, which significantly impact how individuals perceive and pursue treatment.

In Dr. Lacefield’s laboratory (193L) at UC San Diego, I independently designed and conducted a research study utilizing a single-case ABAB reversal design to explore behavior modification techniques. My study focused on the application of antecedent control procedures to increase specific target behaviors. Through a thorough and systematic functional assessment, I developed and implemented an intervention plan tailored to address the identified behavioral needs.

The intervention was meticulously designed, incorporating evidence-based strategies to manipulate environmental antecedents and promote the desired behavior. Data were collected and analyzed across each phase of the ABAB design, allowing for a clear comparison of the baseline and intervention phases. The results indicated a significant increase in the frequency of the target behavior, with observable improvements from the initial baseline to the second intervention phase. This outcome demonstrated the effectiveness of the intervention plan and my ability to apply behavior modification principles in a structured and methodical manner.

In applying the theories and concepts from my upper-division coursework from college, I had the opportunity to work with patients experiencing apraxia post-stroke. This hands-on experience allowed me to directly observe the challenges faced by individuals with impaired planning and articulatory movements. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), I observed large-scale brain network disruptions in these patients, providing valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying apraxia.

In addition to these clinical observations, I contributed to the research process through various supporting tasks. One of these tasks included the creation of informational pamphlets aimed at recruiting participants for ongoing studies led by the professor. These pamphlets were carefully designed to communicate the study objectives effectively and encourage participation, showcasing my ability to support research initiatives in a multifaceted role.

"I completed a three-month internship at the Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) Autism and Developmental Disorder Center, where I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with clinical psychology specialists. Although I was not directly involved in the medical interventions, this experience provided me with valuable insights into conducting functional assessments and developing long-term treatment plans for children with developmental disabilities.

My responsibilities varied, from taking detailed notes on the treatment plans outlined by Dr. Kim to more involved tasks such as recording and analyzing my own observations of patients during therapy sessions. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in creating individualized interventions aimed at reducing or eliminating unwanted behaviors. This hands-on experience allowed me to observe the practical application of behavior analysis techniques in a clinical setting, enhancing my ability to assess and contribute to treatment strategies for children with developmental challenges.

I completed a 13-month internship at Dr. Dasom Lee’s clinic, where she practices as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) specializing in working with children with developmental disorders. During initial sessions, I observed Dr. Lee engage in comprehensive discussions with caregivers and children to obtain a holistic understanding of the child's behavioral history. This approach allowed her to gather crucial information for the subsequent functional assessment.

My role included participating in the observation and recording process during these assessments. I assisted in gathering qualitative data by asking foundational questions to caregivers, which contributed to identifying the problematic or absent behaviors in the child's repertoire. While I was not directly involved in the development of treatment plans, I gained invaluable experience by witnessing the diagnostic process and the creation of individualized intervention strategies. This exposure provided me with a deeper understanding of the practical application of behavior analysis and the nuances involved in developing effective treatment plans for children with developmental challenges.