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COMPREHENSIVE PROFESSIONAL VITAE

Ashleigh J. Hillier, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology University of Massachusetts Lowell

A. EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS 1. Education 2001-2004 Post-doctorate

Department of Neurology The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH

2000 Ph.D.

Psychology University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England Thesis: The relationship between understanding complex emotions and theory of mind among children and adolescents with autism.

1999 Teaching in Higher Education Postgraduate Certificate.

The Open University, England 1995 BSc. (Hons)

Psychology University of Lincolnshire & Humberside, Hull, England

2. Academic Experience 2012-to-date Associate Professor

Department of Psychology University of Massachusetts Lowell

2006-to 2012 Assistant Professor

Department of Psychology University of Massachusetts Lowell

2004-2006 Research Scientist (full-time)

Department of Neurology The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH This was a full-time research position involving work on multiple projects, both independent and collaborative. During this time I was also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University.

2000-2001 Visiting Assistant Professor (full-time teaching position)

Department of Psychology Ohio University, Athens, OH

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1999-2000 Instructor / Part-time Visiting Lecturer of Psychology Department of Psychology Westminster University, London, England 1996-1999 Instructor / Part-time Visiting Lecturer of Psychology Department of Psychology Lincoln University, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England B. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES 1. Professional Association Participation Membership in Professional Associations

• American Psychological Association (June 2007 to date) • Society for Neuroscience (June 2002 to date) • International Society for Autism Research (March 2004 to date) • Autism Society of America (June 2002 to May 2013) • Cognitive Neuroscience Society (December 2002 to November 2012) • British Psychological Society (January 1997 to December 2000)

2. Professional Honors and Awards

• UMass Lowell Department of Psychology Teaching Excellence Award 2010 • The Ohio State University International Scholar Award 2003

3. Additional Qualifications

• Validated administrator of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Awarded qualification in 2003.

4. Other Professional Activities

• Reviewer for Professional Journals

o Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders o Autism: International Journal of Research and Practice o Imagination, Cognition and Personality o Neurocase

• Grant Reviewer for UK Medical Research Council

• Grant Reviewer for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources

and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

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Peer-reviewed conference presentations at national and international conferences: ** Denotes UMass Lowell student. 2015 McCabe, A., Hillier, A., **DaSilva, C., & **Queenan, A., & **Tauras, M. Parental

Mediation in the Improvement of Narrative Skills of Individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Toronto, August 2015.

2015 **Queenan, A., Hillier, A., Dottolo, A., **Kopec, J., **Abreu, M., & **Donnelly, S.

College students with autism spectrum disorders: Parent perspectives. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Toronto, August 2015. A poster based on this project was also presented at the UMass Lowell Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium, April 2015.

2015 Arcus, D., & Hillier, A. Developmental Pathways among University Students with

Disabilities. Poster presented at the Association for Psychological Science, New York, New York, May 2015. A poster based on this project was also presented at the UMass Lowell Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium in April 2015.

2014 Hillier, A., **Kopec, J., & **Donnelly S. Preparing for University Life: A Program

Evaluation. Poster presented at the 13th International Meeting for Autism Research, Atlanta, GA, May 2014.

2014 Greher, G., **Marshall, S., Hillier, A., **Queenan, A., **Prestigiovanni, A., &

**Kopec, J. Music, Technology and Teens with ASD: A “Social” Project through a Music Education and Psychology Partnership. The College Music Society 2014 Summit, Seattle, WA, May 2014. A poster based on this project was also presented at the New England Psychological Association annual conference in Worcester, MA. October 2014.

2014 Murphy, D., Hillier, A., **Kopec, J., & **Keeler, S. Positive outcomes of a

physical activity program on young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presentation at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Las Vegas, NV, February 2014. A poster based on this project was also presented at the UMass Lowell College of Health Sciences 2014 Research Day and Open House, March 2014.

2013 Murphy, D., Hillier, A., **Kopec, J. & **Keeler, S. Interprofessional Teaching:

Partnership to enhance student experiential learning. Paper presented at the Educational Leadership Conference, Portland, OR, October 2013. A poster based on this project was also presented at UMass Lowell’s Teaching and Learning Symposium, Lowell, MA.

2013 **Abreu, M., & Hillier, A., Goldstein, J. Student experiences in utilizing disability

support services in a university setting. Poster presentation at the Society for Community Research and Action, Coral Gables, FL, June 2013.

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A poster based on this work was also presented at UMass Lowell’s Student Research Symposium, Lowell, MA.

2012 Rollins, P., McCabe, A., Hillier, A., Paul, R., Norbury, C., Goldman, S., Einstein, A., Losh, M., & Hewitt, L. Narratives in high-functioning ASD: Significance and best practices. Symposium presentation at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Atlanta, GA, November 2012.

2012 **Kopec, J., Hillier, A., & Frye, A. Emotional response to music among those

with autism spectrum disorders. Poster presentation at the Society for Neuroscience, New Orleans, LA, November 2012. A poster based on this project was also presented at UMass Lowell’s Student Research Symposium, Lowell, MA.

2012 McCabe, A., Hillier, A., Shapiro, C. Too Much, Too Little, Too Late:

Structure of Personal Narratives of Emerging Adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Poster presented at the 11th International Meeting for Autism Research, Toronto, ON, May 2012. A poster based on this project was also presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Conference, Lowell, MA.

2011 Murphy, D., Hilllier, A., Ferrara, C, Collins, S., **Baltisberger, N., **Lopes, A., & **McCabe, R. Effects of exercise on heart rate variability, cortisol, and stress on young adults with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Poster at the 16th International World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

2010 Hillier, A., Murphy, D., & Ferrara, C. Physical Exercise Reduces Stress and

Anxiety Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum. Poster at the Autism 2010 Conference, Toronto, ON.

2010 Greher, G., & Hillier, A. SoundScape: An interdisciplinary music technology

intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Technology in Music Instruction, Minneapolis, MN.

2009 Hillier, A., & Murphy D. Reduction in salivary cortisol following physical exercise

and relaxation among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 8th International Meeting for Autism Research, Chicago, IL.

2009 Greher, G., Hillier, A., **Poto, N., **Dougherty, M. SoundScapes: An

interdisciplinary music intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Paper presented at the 90th American Educational Research Association Conference, San Diego, CA.

2009 Beversdorf, D.Q., Carpenter, A., Birmingham, D.J., Tilley, M., Alexander, J.K.,

Hillier, A. Serotonin transporter protein genotype determines the effect of psychosocial stress on cognitive performance. Poster presented at the 37th annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, Atlanta, GA.

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2008 Chowdhury, M., Benson, B.A., & Hillier, A. Communication and Behavioral Outcomes of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Boston, MA.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q, Birmingham, D.J., Arasu, V., Alexander, J.K., Campbell, H.L.,

White, C.A., Hillier, A., & Bauman, M. Prenatal stress and maternal serotonin transporter protein polymorphisms in autism. Poster session presented at the 6th International Meeting for Autism Research, Seattle, WA.

2007 Hillier, A., Fish, T., & Cloppert, P. Outcomes of a social and vocational skills

support group for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 6th International Meeting for Autism Research, Seattle, WA.

2007 Chowdhury, M., Benson, B.A., & Hillier, A. Changes in restricted repetitive

behaviors over time in high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 6th International Meeting for Autism Research, Seattle, WA.

2007 Chowdhury, M., Benson, B.A., & Hillier, A. Course of behavioral change in high-

functioning adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q, Birmingham, D.J., Arasu, V., Alexander, J.K., Campbell, H.L.,

White, C.A., Hillier, A., & Bauman, M. Prenatal stress and maternal serotonin transporter protein polymorphisms in autism. Paper presentation presented at 59th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Boston, MA.

2007 Narayanan, A., White, C.A., Kim, N., Tivarus, M.E., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P.,

Kataki, M., Scharre, D., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Effect of donepezil on left inferior frontal lobe activation during verbal fluency in MCI. Poster presented at 59th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Boston, MA.

2006 Beversdorf, D.Q., Carpenter, A., Miller, R., Cios, J., & Hillier, A. Effect of

propranolol on cognitive flexibility in individuals with ASD. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, San Francisco, CA.

2006 Hillier, A., Carpenter, A., Smith, R.M., Berntson, G.G., & Beversdorf, D.Q.

Physiological responsiveness to affective stimuli among those on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 5th International Meeting for Autism Research, Montreal, Canada.

2005 Alexander, J.K., Hillier, A., Smith, R.M., Tivarus, M.E., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Beta-

adrenergic blockade reverses stress-induced cognitive impairment. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

2005 Beversdorf, D.Q., Friedman, N.F., Sharma, U.K., Phillips, N.N., & Hillier, A. The

effect of propranolol on naming in Broca’s aphasia. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.

2005 Campbell, H.L., Tivarus, M.E., Alexander, J.K., Hillier, A., et al. Effect of task

difficulty on noradrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, New York, NY.

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2005 Hillier, A., Alexander, J.K., Smith, R.M., Tivarus, M., et al. The effect of stress on

cognitive flexibility among those on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 4th International Meeting for Autism Research, Boston, MA.

2005 Hillier, A., Campbell, H., Phillips, N., Keillor, J., et al. Autism spectrum and

susceptibility to the visual false memory effect. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, St. Louis, MO.

2005 Tivarus, M., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P., Marcetich, A., et al. Functional

connectivity in an fMRI study of semantic and phonological processes. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Washington DC.

2004 Chu, J.S, Miller, R.F., Hillier, A., Tivarus, M.E., et al. Noradrenergic modulation

of semantic priming. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.

2004 Hillier, A., Chu, J.S., Miller, R.F., Kitzmiller, J., et al. Pharmacological modulation

of emotion memory in autism spectrum disorders. Poster presented at the 3rd International Meeting for Autism Research, Sacramento, CA.

2004 Tivarus, M., Ibinson, J., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P., et al. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of semantic priming. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, San Francisco, CA. 2003 Beversdorf, D.Q., Hillier, A., Brooker, R., & Hughes, J. A neural network model

of decreased context utilization in autism spectrum disorder. Poster presented at the 1st International Meeting for Autism Research, Orlando, FL.

2003 Hillier, A., Alexander, J.K., & Beversdorf, D.Q. The effect of auditory stressors

on cognitive performance. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

2003 Ishizuka, K., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Effect of the cold pressor test on

memory and cognitive flexibility. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, New York, NY.

2003 Phillips, N., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. False memory for visually presented

shapes and symbols. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Orlando, FL.

2002 Bailey, J., Lassiter, D.G., & Hillier, A. Evidence that autistic individuals are less

likely to show a correspondence bias. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Society Meeting, New Orleans, LA.

1997 Allinson, L.J., & Hillier, A. Enhancing the social and cognitive skills of autistic

children. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the British Psychological Society, London, UK.

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Conference presentations at regional and local conferences: 2015 **White, D., Hillier, A., Frye, A., & **Makrez, E. College Students’ Attitudes

Towards Students on the Autism Spectrum: A five year follow-up. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium, April 2015.

2015 **Ferrante, K., Arcus, D., & Hillier, A. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Student

Research and Community Engagement Symposium, April 2015. A poster based on this project was also presented at the American Psychological Society conference in May 2015.

2015 **Queenan, A., McCabe, A., Hillier, A., **DaSilva, C., & **Tauras, M. Parental

Mediation in the Improvement of Narrative Skills of Individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium, April 2015. A poster based on this project was also presented at the American Psychological Association conference in August 2015.

2015 Hillier, A., **Silva, K., Goldstein, J., & **Queenan, A. Mentoring students

registered with Student Disability Services. Poster presented at UMass Lowell’s Faculty Research and Creative Work Symposium, February 2015, Lowell, MA.

2014 Hillier, A., Dottolo, A., **White, D., Paterson, S., & Johnson, H. Evaluating a

“flipped” General Psychology course." Poster presented at UMass Lowell’s Teaching and Learning Symposium, Lowell, MA.

2014 **Donnelly, S., Hillier, A., Mendes, E., Trietsch, R., Goldstein, J., & Keeves, J.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Support Group for University Students with Asperger's Syndrome. New England Psychological Association annual conference in Portsmouth, MA. October 2014.

2014 Greher, G., **Marshall, S., Hillier, A., **Queenan, A., **Prestigiovanni, A., &

**Kopec, J. Music, Technology and Teens with ASD: A “Social” Project through a Music Education and Psychology Partnership. New England Psychological Association annual conference in Worcester, MA. October 2014.

A poster based on this project was also presented at The College Music Society 2014 Summit, Seattle, WA, May 2014.

2014 **Clark, C. Faculty advisors: Murphy, D., Hillier, A., & Marshall, B. Perceptions of

Students, Faculty and Staff Regarding Physical Accessibility on a University Campus. UMass Lowell Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium, April 2014.

2014 Murphy, D., Hillier, A., **Kopec, J., & **Keeler, S. Positive outcomes of a

physical activity program on young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presentation at the UMass Lowell College of Health Sciences 2014 Research Day and Open House, March 2014.

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A poster based on this project was also presented at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Las Vegas, NV, February 2014.

2013 **Donnelly, S., Hillier, A., & Goldstein, J. (2013). Examining the experiences of

the mentor in a university peer-mentoring program. Poster presented at the New England Psychological Association annual conference in Worcester, MA. October 2013.

2013 Hillier, A., Dottolo, A., **Querol, B. Pilot study to improve the General

Psychology course through implementing a "flipped" curriculum." Poster presented at UMass Lowell’s Teaching and Learning Symposium, Lowell, MA.

2013 Murphy, D., Hillier, A., **Kopec, J., & **Keeler, S. Interprofessional Teaching:

Partnership to enhance student experiential learning. Poster presented at UMass Lowell’s Teaching and Learning Symposium, Lowell, MA. A paper based on this project was also presented at the Educational Leadership Conference, Portland, OR, October 2013.

2013 **Abreu, M., Hillier, A., & Frye, A. Student Experiences in Utilizing Disability

Support Services in a University Setting. Poster presented at UMass Lowell’s Student Research Symposium, Lowell, MA. A poster based on this project was also presented at the Society for Community Research and Action, Coral Gables, FL, June 2013.

2013 **Kopec, J., Hillier, A., & Frye, A. Valence in emotional response to music

among those with autism spectrum disorders. Poster presented at UMass Lowell’s Student Research Symposium, Lowell, MA. A poster based on this project was also presented at the Society for Neuroscience, New Orleans, LA, November 2012.

2012 **Kopec, J., Hillier, A., & Frye, A. Music preferences among adolescents and

young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell’s Student Research Symposium, Lowell, MA.

2011 McCabe, A., Hillier, A., & Shapiro, C. Too Much, Too Little, Too Late: Structure

of Personal Narratives of Emerging Adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Conference, Lowell, MA. A poster based on this projected was also presented at the 11th International Meeting for Autism Research, Toronto, ON, May 2012.

2010 Hillier, A., & Galizzi, M. Vocational outcomes for young adults with autism

spectrum disorders. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Conference, Lowell, MA.

2010 Hillier, A., Murphy, D., & Ferrara, C. (2010). Measuring stress through salivary

cortisol following physical exercise and relaxation among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Conference. Lowell, MA.

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2008 Hillier, A. Success in the Workplace: Practical Suggestions for Employees and Employers. Presentation at the Asperger’s Association of New England Annual Conference, Marlborough, MA.

2008 Hillier, A., & Greher, G. SoundScape: Evaluation of an interdisciplinary music

intervention program for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Inauguration Conference, Lowell, MA.

2008 Murphy, D., & Hillier, A. Fit and Fun: An exercise and relaxation program for

young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Inauguration Conference, Lowell, MA.

2005 Hillier, A. Facilitating peer interaction in school-age children. Paper presented at

the Columbus Children’s Hospital Annual Autism Conference, Columbus, OH.

2005 Hillier, A. Social and vocational skills support for young adults on the autism spectrum. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, Columbus, OH.

2004 Hillier, A., Mastriani, K., Alexander, J., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Vocational support

program for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Paper presented at the annual meeting of The Ohio State University Multiple Perspectives on Disability conference, Columbus, OH.

2003 Hillier, A., Mastriani, K., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Vocational support for young adults

on the autism spectrum. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Autism Society of Ohio, Columbus, OH.

2003 Hillier, A., Fish, T., Schauer, C., Mastriani, K., et al. A model social / vocational

group program for young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, Columbus, OH.

** Denotes UMass Lowell student. C. RESEARCH 1. Grants and Contracts since starting position at the University of Massachusetts Lowell 2007–to date Title: Specialization in Developmental Disabilities. Agency: Department of Developmental Services Type: State funding

Principal Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Co-PIs: Charlotte Mandell, Ph.D.; Richard Siegel, Ph.D. Amount: $12,350 annually since 2007 (total: $988,00) The Department of Developmental Services initially provided funding to support our two Integrative Fieldwork courses which for a number of years were below minimum

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enrollment. Their funding allowed us to pay an adjunct professor to still teach these courses. Since ?? they have consistently reached their cap but DDS continues to provide us with this grant. I assume this is because they are happy with the disability related work we are doing on campus to raise awareness and increase student opportunities to gain hands on experience working with individuals who have a disability. Additionally, we have continued to grow the number of students enrolled in the Specialization in Developmental Disabilities and the Interdisciplinary Minor in Disability Studies (at ?? as of Spring 2015). As PI I ensure the continuation, expansion, and success of these programs.

2015-to date Title: Interdisciplinary Examination of the Health Care Experiences of those with

Autism Spectrum Disorders. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Public Service Endowment Grant Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; co-PI: Monica Galizzi, Ph.D.

(Economics) Amount: $1,275

This grant is funding a graduate student to work on examining health care experiences of adolescents and young adults, particularly the accessibility of health care for those with ASD; the quality of care they receive and; the outcomes of care.

2012-2013 Title: A Steampunk Art Program for Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism

Spectrum. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Public Service Endowment Grant Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $4,000

This grant funded a community partnership to run an art intervention program for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As PI I collaborated with Mauricio Cordero (Executive Director of the Revolving Museum, Lowell) and Bruce Rosenbaum (Steampunk Artist) to run the program intervention. The program provided the opportunity for members of our community with ASD to take part in a totally novel and unique program. Empirical outcomes from the intervention were positive and helped fill the urgent need for scientifically validated programs designed for this population.

2010-2011 Title: Interdisciplinary Course Incorporating Classroom Technology to Enhance

Student Understanding of Assistive Technology and Disability. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal

Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; Deirdra Murphy, DPT, MS, MHA Amount: $1,500 This project involves interdisciplinary collaboration to develop a new undergraduate course at UML, The Sociological Aspects of Assistive Technology for Persons with Disability. The development of the new course incorporates the latest technological advances designed to enhance student learning and engagement and increase courses available in the Disability Minor.

2009-2010 Title: Fit and Fun: A Physical Activity and Relaxation Program for Community

Dwelling Underserved Youth on the Autism Spectrum. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal Joseph P. Healey Endowment Grant Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; Deirdra Murphy, DPT, MS, MHA Amount: $5,000

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This grant provided an interdisciplinary physical activity and relaxation program for youth on the autism spectrum called “Fit and Fun”. The project empirically evaluated the program using qualitative and quantitative methods including measures of salivary cortisol (a stress hormone), changes in fitness levels, self-report measures, and focus groups. As co-PI I collaborated on study design, recruitment, program implementation, data analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation.

2008-2009 Title: Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Music Intervention for Adolescents and

Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal Joseph P. Healey Endowment Grant

Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; Gena Greher, Ed.D. Amount: $4,250 This research project was an empirical evaluation of an interdisciplinary, university based music program for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This project provided a sustainable program which addressed the needs of members of our community for whom few other services were available. In addition, students in the Music Education program and Psychology graduate and undergraduate programs had the unique opportunity to design, implement, and evaluate the Music intervention. My role was to design the program evaluation, collect, analyze, and write up the data, and recruitment for the program.

2007-2008 Title: Aspirations: A Social and Vocational Support Group Program for

Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Agency: Theodore Edson Parker Foundation Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.

Amount: $25,000 As PI I oversaw all aspects of the “Aspirations” social and vocational skills support group program for young adults on the autism spectrum. This included recruitment, curriculum design and modification, service provision, supervising undergraduate and graduate students involved in the program, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

2007-2008 Title: Physiological Markers of Stress and their Relationship to Health and Disability.

Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal: School of Health & Environment Seed Grant Principal Investigator: Cynthia Ferrara, Ph.D. Co-PIs: Sean Collins, Sc.D., Ivy Ho, Ph.D., Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D Amount: $500 My role was to collaborate on study design, data collection, and manuscript preparation.

2007-2008 Title: Interdisciplinary Community Based Fitness Program Integrated in an

Exercise Physiology Capstone Course. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal: Teaching and Learning Grant Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; Deirdra Murphy, DPT, MS, MHA Amount: $2,312 This project provided a fitness program for high functioning adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. In addition, students enrolled in an Exercise Physiology course had the opportunity to directly apply course content through design,

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implementation, and evaluation of the program. As co-PI I collaborated on study design, recruitment, program implementation, data analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation.

2005-2006 Title: Pharmacological Modulation of Functional Connectivity in Autism Spectrum

Disorder. Agency: National Association for Autism Research Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Collaborator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $113,740 My role was recruitment, conducting neuropsychological evaluations, advising on methodological design, and fMRI data collection.

2005-2006 Title: A Web-based Employment Training Program for Individuals with Autism

Spectrum Disorders. Agency: The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Co-Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $4,745 My role was to develop the goals, aims and evaluation methods for this on-line employment training program. I also supported the content development of the site, and provided advice and information to our web designer to optimize information presentation for those on the autism spectrum.

2005-2006 Title: Vocational Support Project for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Agency: Ingram-White Castle Foundation Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Co-Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $46,000 My role was to supervise the program coordinator in expanding the program, advise on all client cases, data collection and analysis, dissemination of the program model through presentations and manuscript publication, and grant preparation and acquisition.

2002-2004 Title: Vocational Support Project for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Agency: Ingram-White Castle Foundation Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Co-Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $30,000 This grant enabled us to hire a program coordinator for this project and my role was to supervise this person, advise on all client cases, collect and analyze the data, disseminate the program model, and grant preparation and acquisition. As an off-shoot of this program I developed and implemented a highly successful social and vocational skills support group “Aspirations” for young adults on the autism spectrum.

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2002-2003 Title: Vocational Rehabilitation for High-functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Agency: Henry E Coyle Fund of The Columbus Foundation Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Co-Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $31,000 For this project I designed the program model, and established and oversaw the resulting vocational support program for adults with ASD. This included design and provision of all program services (e.g. job preparation, job placement, job counseling etc.), recruitment and evaluation of clients, design of program evaluation measures, data collection and analysis, dissemination of the program model, and grant preparation and acquisition.

2002-2003 Title: Synthetic Human Secretin in Children with Autism.

Agency: Repligen Corporation Type: Pharmaceutical sponsored clinical trial Local Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Psychologist: Ashleigh Hillier, PhD. Amount: Total funds depended on enrollment This was an NIH phase III multi-center, double blind, placebo controlled study to determine the efficacy of Secretin for children with autism. My role was to conduct pre- and post-evaluations of each child’s behavioral symptomatology using a range of diagnostic and psychological tools assessing communication, behavioral, and social development.

2. Academic & Professional Publications Peer-Reviewed Publications ** Denotes UMass Lowell student. 2015 Hillier, A., **Kopec, J., Poto, N., Tivarus, M., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Increased

physiological responsiveness to preferred music among young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Psychology of Music (published online March 31st 2015, not yet published in print). I was the P.I. for this study. My co-authors helped with data collection, cleaning up the physiological data, and manuscript review. Psychology of Music publishes empirical work investigating a range of psychological aspects of music. It is a highly regarded and competitive journal in the field ranked 19 out of 53 in Psychology, Educational. It’s 5-year Impact Factor is 2.008 (an “impact factor” reflects the average number of citations an article has in that particular journal, thereby providing a rough indication of the importance of a particular journal to the field).

2014 **Kopec, J., Hillier, A., Frye, A. The valency of music has different effects on the

emotional responses of those with autism spectrum disorders and a comparison group. Music Perception, 31,436-443. I was the faculty advisor for this research project. Music Perception publishes scholarly discussion and study of musical phenomena. It’s 5-Year Impact Factor is 2.578 and it’s “Rank in Category” is 43/83.

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2014 Hillier, A., & Galizzi, M. Employment outcomes for young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal, 10, 69-82.

I was responsible for study design, data collection, analysis and manuscript write up. Dr. Galizzi and I collaborated on each stage of this study.

Review of Disability Studies focuses on disability research and education and has a broad international readership. It does not report impact factor metrics.

2013 McCabe, A., Hillier, A., Shapiro, C. Structure of personal narratives of adults with autism

spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43, 3, 733-738. My role in this work has been to collect the data and collaborate on manuscript preparation. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders is the leading journal in the field of autism research. It’s Impact Factor is 3.384.

2012 Hillier, A., Greher, G., **Poto, N., & **Dougherty, M. Positive outcomes following

participation in a music intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Psychology of Music, 40, 201-215. This paper summarizes the findings from our SoundScape music program. My role for this paper was to design the program evaluation, collect, analyze and write up the data. The implementation of the program is a collaboration with Dr. Greher in UMass Lowell’s Department of Music. Psychology of Music is a highly regarded and competitive journal in the field ranked 19 out of 53 in Psychology, Educational. It’s 5-year Impact Factor is 2.008.

2011 Hillier, A., Murphy, D., Ferrara, C. A Pilot Study: Short-term reduction in salivary

cortisol following low level physical exercise and relaxation among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Stress and Health, 27, 395-402. This paper reports on a portion of the data from our Fit and Fun program. My role was study recruitment, collaborating with the study design and program implementation, analyzing the data, and writing up the findings. Stress and Health is an important journal in the field, ranked 63/73 in Psychology, and 100/126 in Psychiatry (ISI Journal Citation Reports).

2011 Hillier, A., Fish, T., Siegel, J.H., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Social and vocational skills

training reduces self-reported anxiety and depression among young adults on the autism spectrum. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 23, 267-276. This paper reports on the findings from my Aspirations program and combines these with findings from the Aspirations program based at The Ohio State University. My role was to collaborate on the design of the program, to establish and oversee the program, to design the empirical evaluation of the program, analyze and write up the data. JDPD has an Impact Factor of 1.267.

2010 Kim, N., Tivarus, M., Goel, P.K., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Independent

component analysis of the effect of L-dopa on fMRI of language processing. PlosOne, 5(8), 1-10. This fMRI study investigates semantic and phonological language tasks under two drug conditions – placebo and L-Dopa. The findings shed light on the role of L-Dopa on such tasks. My role was in the design of the study and collection of the brain imaging data. Plos One has an Impact Factor of 4.411

2010 Greher, G., & Hillier, A., **Dougherty, M., & **Poto, N. SoundScape: An

interdisciplinary music intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. International Journal of Education and the Arts, 11(9), 1-27.

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This paper focuses on the SoundScape program and a portion of the evaluation data. The paper also discusses implications for undergraduate and graduate students who were involved in the project. My role was in the design of the program evaluation, data collection and analysis. This journal has only a 26% acceptance rate and is a leading journal in the field of education within the arts.

2010 Chowdhury, M., Benson, B.A., & Hillier, A. Changes in restricted repetitive

behaviors with age in high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 210-216. This paper reports on changes in restricted repetitive behaviors over time among those on the autism spectrum. The findings showed significant improvements in RRBs as participants grew older, an area which had received little previous empirical attention. My role was to collect the data for the study (conducting all of the Autism Diagnostic Interviews) and collaborate on manuscript preparation. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders has an impact factor of 2.665.

2009 Cios, J., Miller, R., Hillier, A., Tivarus, M., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Lack of

noradrenergic modulation of indirect semantic priming. Behavioural Neurology, 21, 137-143. This paper reports on a study of pharmacological modulation of semantic priming. The results show that automatic processes such as priming and more controlled searches of the semantic network may be mediated by distinct mechanisms. My role was to collaborate on study design, data collection and manuscript preparation. Behavioural Neurology has an Impact Factor of 1.642.

2008 Beversdorf, D.Q., Carpenter, A., Miller, R., Cios, J., & Hillier, A. Effect of

propranolol on verbal problem solving in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Neurocase, 14, 378-383. The author format for the journal Neurocase is to list the lead author as the last author as is frequently found in other fields (e.g. Biology). In this study I examined the effect of propranolol on solving anagrams among those with ASD and a matched control group. I found that those with ASD benefited from propranolol whereas the control group was impaired. These findings may be relevant regarding treatment for those with ASD. Neurocase has an impact factor of 1.43.

2008 Campbell, H.L., Tivarus, M.E., Hillier. A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Increased task

difficulty results in greater impact of noradrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 88, 222-229. This study examined the impact of modulating the noradrenergic system on cognitive task performance. My role was to collaborate on study design, data collection and interpretation, and manuscript preparation. This journal has an impact factor of 2.967.

2008 Tivarus, M., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Functional

connectivity in an fMRI study of semantic and phonological processes. Brain and Language, 104, 42-50. This study utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine functional connectivity between regions of the brain associated with semantic and phonological processing and the effects of L-Dopa administration. We found that language areas are activated in a more synchronous manner for phonological than for semantic tasks. My role was to collaborate on study design, data collection and interpretation and manuscript preparation. Brain and Language has an impact factor of 3.725.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q., Sharma, U.K., Phillips, N.N., Notestine, M.A., Slivka, M.A.,

Friedman, N.M., Schneider, S.L., Hillier, A.. Effect of propranolol on naming in chronic expressive aphasia. Neurocase, 13, 256-259.

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The author format for the journal Neurocase is to list the lead author as the last author as is frequently found in other fields (e.g. Biology). In this study I found that propranolol significantly improved performance in a naming task among those with Broca’s aphasia. Neurocase has an impact factor of 1.43.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q., Ferguson, J.L.W., Hillier, A., Sharma, U.K., et al. Problem

solving ability in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 20, 44-47. This study examined how useful a visuospatial problem solving task was for detecting nonmemory impairments in mild cognitive impairment than other tasks. This work will help determine which patients with MCI are at risk for progression to dementia. My role was data collection and manuscript preparation. CBN is ranked 46/49 in Behavioral Sciences.

2007 Hillier, A., Beversdorf, D.Q., Raymer, A.M., Williamson, D.J.G., & Heilman, K.M.

Abnormal Emotional Word Ratings in Parkinson’s Disease. Neurocase, 13, 81-85. The author format for the journal Neurocase is to list the lead author as the last author as is frequently found in other fields (e.g. Biology). This study found that those with Parkinson’s Disease were blunted in their ratings of emotional words (excited-calm) but not control expense words (expensive-cheap). I was responsible for writing the manuscript for this study. Neurocase has an impact factor of 1.43.

2007 Hillier, A., Campbell, H., Mastriani, K., Izzo, M. V., et al. Two-year evaluation of

a vocational support program for adults on the autism spectrum. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 30, 35-47. This paper reports on my vocational support program for those with ASD. My role was to design and implement the program, evaluate the program, analyze the data and write the manuscript. This is a highly specialized journal focused on employment and careers within Disability. The impact factor for CDEI is 0.724.

2007 Hillier, A., Fish, T., & Cloppert, P. Outcomes of a social and vocational skills

support group for young adults on the autism spectrum. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 22, 107-115. This paper reports on some of the findings from my Aspirations program. My role was to collaborate on the design of the program model, to establish the program, to design the empirical evaluation of the program, implement the UMass Lowell program sessions, analyze and write up the data. The impact factor for this journal is 1.065.

2007 Ishizuka, K., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Effect of the cold pressor test on

memory and cognitive flexibility. Neurocase, 13, 154-157. This study looked at the effect of stress on cognitive flexibility and memory using the cold pressor test. We found that the stressor impaired memory performance. My role was to collaborate on study design and manuscript preparation. Neurocase has an impact factor of 1.43.

2007 Alexander, J.K., Hillier, A., Smith, R.M., Tivarus, M.E., et al. Beta-adrenergic

modulation of cognitive flexibility during stress. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 19, 468-478.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q., Narayanan, A., Hillier, A., & Hughes, J.D. Network model of decreased context utilization in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 1040-1048.

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2007 Hillier, A., Campbell, H., Keillor, J., Phillips, N., et al. Decreased false memory for visually presented shapes and symbols among adults on the autism spectrum. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 29, 610-616.

2006 Choi, Y., Novak, J., Hillier, A., Votolato, N., et al. The effect of alpha-2

adrenergic agonists on memory and cognitive flexibility. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 19, 204-207.

2006 Hillier, A., Alexander, J.K., & Beversdorf, D.Q. The effect of auditory stressors

on cognitive flexibility. Neurocase, 12, 228-231. 2006 Smith, R.M., Tivarus, M.E., Campbell, H.L., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q.

Transient effects of recent “ecstasy” use on cognitive performance and extrapyramidal signs in human subjects. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 19, 157-164.

2006 Tivarus, M.E., Ibinson, J.W., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P., et al. An fMRI study of

semantic priming: modulation of brain activity by varying semantic distances. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 19, 194-201.

2005 Beversdorf, D.Q., Manning, S.E., Hillier, A., Anderson, S.L., et al. Timing of

prenatal stressors and autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35, 471-478.

2005 Campbell, H., Tivarus, M., Alexander, J., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D. Effect of

task difficulty on noradrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience,

2002 Hillier, A., & Allinson, L.J. Understanding embarrassment among those with

autism: Breaking down the complex emotion of embarrassment among those with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32, 583-592.

2002 Hillier, A., & Allinson, L.J. Beyond expectations: Autism, understanding

embarrassment, and the relationship with theory of mind. Autism, 6, 299-314. Manuscripts under Review Under review. McCabe, A., Hillier, A., **DaSilva, C., **Queenan, A., & **Tauras, M. Parental Mediation in the Improvement of Narrative Skills of High-functioning Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Under review. Hillier, A., Frye, A., Poto, N., & Chambers, P. Feelings of isolation and loneliness have a broad impact on parents of emerging adults on the autism spectrum. Journal on Developmental Disabilities. Under review. Hillier, A., Greher, G., **Queenan, A., **Marshall, S., & **Kopec, J. Music, Technology and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A “Social” Project through a Music Education and Psychology Partnership. Music Education Research.

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Under review **Abreu, M., Hillier, A., Frye, A., & Goldstein, J. Student experiences utilizing disability support services in a university setting. Journal of College Student Development. I am the faculty advisor for this research project. 3. Other Research or Creative Activities 2007 Interviewed for an article in the Lowell Sun about the Aspirations program:

“Asperger's syndrome is not autism-lite” by Christine Phelan, Oct. 2007. 2008 Hillier, A. Employment and Asperger Syndrome. Asperger’s Association of New

England Journal, 3, 5-6. D. INSTRUCTION RELATED ACTIVITY 1. Teaching 2006–present Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell

i) Undergraduate Courses General Psychology 47.101 Fall 2006 (2 sections, 93 students) Spring 2007 (2 sections, 92 students) Fall 2007 (2 sections, 70 students) Spring 2008 (2 sections, 64 students) Spring 2009 (2 sections, 54 students) Fall 2009 (2 sections, 99 students) Spring 2010 (1 section, 31 students) Spring 2011 (honors section, 13 students) Spring 2012 (1 section, 39 students) Spring 2013 (2 sections, 91 students) Fall 2013 (2 honors sections, 31 students) Fall 2014 (2 honors sections, 37 students) Spring 2015 (2 sections, 88 students) Introduction to Disability Studies 47.363 Fall 2006 (1 section, 31 students) Psychology of Developmental Disabilities 47.362 (developed this as a new course) Fall 2007 (1 section, 31 students) Seminar in Clinical Psychology 47.475 (developed this as a new course). Spring 2010 (1 section, 14 students) Fall 2012 (2 sections, 32 students)

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Community Service 47.486 (developed this as a new course) Spring 2009 (1 section, 9 students) Fall 2009 (1 section, 9 students) Spring 2012 (1 section, 12 students) Community Service 47.486 with individual students (total number of students to date: 43)

• Spring 2007: Christine Grigoriou, Rana Azzi, Emily Makrez and Nicole Boudrow worked with me on the Aspirations program.

• Fall 2007: Diana Hilario, Joseline Gonzalez, and Sarah Woods worked with me on the Aspirations social and vocational skills program for adolescents and young adults with ASD.

• Spring 2008: Nicole Piliponis and Erin ODonnell worked with me on the Aspirations program. Holly Bowers worked with me on a Movie Club for adolescents and young adults with ASD.

• Spring 2010: Kristi Smith, Willian Ferreria-Fahlberg worked with me on the Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program.

• Fall 2010: Kristine Dancause and Molly Courtemanche worked with me on the SoundScape music program and the Horizons college preparation mentoring program.

• Spring 2011: Kevin Beasley, Mary Skelley, and Justin Kopec worked with me on the Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program and the Horizons college mentoring program. Xuan Huynh and Murielle Georges worked with me on a Book Club for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum.

• Fall 2011: Julia Funaro and Savannah Marshall worked with me on the SoundScape music program.

• Fall 2012: Alyssa MacInnis, Christine Luis, Kendra Silva, Jamie Kaussner, Rebecca Walsh, Katerina Thanopolous, and Cassandra Gallinelli worked with me on various programs for those with ASD.

• Spring 2013: Kathryn Feener, Alexandra Haas, Meghan Nolan, Sophia Williams, and Viktoriya Klyuchak worked with me on various programs for those with ASD and UMass Lowell registered with the Office of Disability Services.

• Fall 2013: Justin Goldstein, Afreen Syeda, and Noeun Chhim worked with me on various programs for those with ASD.

• Spring 2014: Siobhan Ratliff, Alicia Pagan, and Candice Latta worked with me on various programs for those with ASD, mainly the mentoring program.

• Fall 2014: Chelsea Hamill, Veronica Williams, Ryan Powell, and Yokaty Salazar Reyes worked with me on the mentoring program for UMass Lowell students registered with the Student Disability Services.

Research Service Learning 47.488 with individual students (total number of students to date: 3)

• Spring 2013: Kevin Doherty worked with me on a research project evaluating a job interview training program offered by a community partner, the Asperger’s Association of New England.

• Fall 2013: Brittany Asselin continued work on evaluating a job interview training program in collaboration with the Asperger’s Association of New England.

• Spring 2014: Ashley Merrill worked with me on various research projects including the mentoring program, LifeMap evaluation study, and hyperbolic plane study.

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Directed Study 47.491 (total number of students to date: 10) Spring 2007: Stephanie Jackson and Katie Obrien conducted an indepth analysis of ASDs and the most current research in the field. Fall 2007: Danielle Guinn worked with me on the Aspirations program. Nataliya Poto worked with me on the SoundScape music program. Daniel Barulli did a project investigating neuroscience and intelligence. Justin Demers helped collect data for a research project comparing traits of typical UML students with those of young adults with ASD. He also worked with me on the Aspirations program. Spring 2008: Jeffiner Crosby worked with me on the Aspirations program. John Mitchell worked with me on a Movie Club for adolescents and young adults with ASD. Spring 2010: Kevin Bishop worked with me on the Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program. Fall 2011: Justin Kopec worked with me on a study looking at responses to music among those with ASD. Spring 2012: Justin Kopec continued the work for the study looking at responses to music among those with ASD.

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Committees 2013-2014 Honors thesis committee member, Courtney Clark conducted her thesis work on

perceptions of Students, Faculty and Staff Regarding Physical Accessibility on a University Campus and presented at the UMass Lowell Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium, April 2014.

2009-2010 Honors thesis advisor, Molly Korobkin. Molly presented her work at the

Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Research Conference at UMass Amherst in April 2010 and at the UMass Lowell Honors conference in April 2010.

ii) Graduate Courses

Disability and Human Services 47.502 (developed this as a new course). Spring 2008 (1 section, 7 students) Spring 2011 (1 section, 11 students) Social and Community Interventions in Autism 47.574 (online) (developed this as a new course) Spring 2013 (1 section, 22 students) Spring 2015 (1 section, 19 students)

Graduate Directed Study 47.691 (total number of students to date: 12) Summer 2007: Kristin Morfill, Sandra Osbourne, and Yajaira Blanco worked with me on the Aspirations program. Fall 2007: Emily Makrez worked with me on a project investigating the vocational outcomes of those with ASD, as well as a study looking at the experiences of parents of those with ASD.

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Fall 2009: Nataliya Poto collected data for a study investigating physiological responses to different types of music. Lyndsey Tarrant worked with me on the SoundScape music program. Spring 2010: Jennifer Gevry worked with me on the Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program. Spring 2011: Samantha Jacobs worked with me on a project investigating music and physiological responses. Fall 2012: Cameron Goodrich worked with me on a project evaluating a mentoring program for UMass Lowell students with a disability. Marlene Abreu worked with me conducting a study of academic outcomes among UMass Lowell students with a disability. Fall 2013: Michelle Santangelo began a Directed Study evaluating a life skills coaching program in collaboration with the Asperger’s Association of New England. Spring 2014: Michelle Santangelo completed a Directed Study evaluating a life skills coaching program in collaboration with the Asperger’s Association of New England. Spring 2015: Kianna Ferrante completed a Directed Study working on a study looking at academic outcomes among students registered with Student Disability Services.

Masters Project 47.773 (total number of students to date: 3) Spring 2013: Marlene Abreu developed her Directed Study in to a Masters Project and continued her work on the study of academic outcomes among UMass Lowell students with a disability. Fall 2013: Alexa Queenan worked with me on an investigation of parents’ attitudes and concerns regarding their son / daughter with ASD attending college in the near future. Cristiane DaSilva worked with me on a narrative interventions study to help those with ASD improve their narrative skills. Spring 2014: Alexa Queenan completed her work with me on an investigation of parents’ attitudes and concerns regarding their son / daughter with ASD attending college in the near future. Cristiane DaSilva completed her work with me on a narrative interventions study to help those with ASD improve their narrative skills.

Graduate Thesis Committees Fall 2014-Spring 2015: Thesis committee member. Joseph Veneziano, Eye Contact and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Joe will defend his thesis at the end of summer 2015. Fall 2015-Spring 2016: Thesis committee member. Devon White, Siblings with autism and theory of mind. Courses taught prior to starting at the University of Massachusetts Lowell at Ohio University (Athens, OH), Westminster University (London, England), and Lincoln University (Lincoln, England):

• Child and Adolescent Psychology • Introductory Psychology • Psychobiology • Cognitive Psychology

E. SERVICE ACTIVITIES

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1. Community Activities Related to Professional Field 2009-present In collaboration with UMass Lowell’s Counseling Center and Student Disability Services I have established a support program for UMass Lowell students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). “Connections” is an 8-week program offered in Fall and Spring semesters. The aim of the program is to ensure the success and retention of our students with ASD. The curriculum covers topics including time management, stress management, navigating your major, social life on campus, and life post-graduation. We established the program in Spring 2009 and it has been extremely beneficial to those students enrolled each semester. 2012-present I collaborate with Disability Services to run a mentoring program for freshman UMass Lowell students who have a disability. The goals of this program are to ensure a successful transition and to improve retention among our students with a disability. I am responsible for recruiting, screening, training and subsequently supervising the mentors. Programs held on campus for members of the community

2008-present In February 2008 I established “The Network” program, a monthly social networking group for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Participants meet once a month and engage in a broad curriculum of activities and events. Parents / guardians also meet in a separate group. The Network provides a much needed opportunity for adolescents and young adults to meet and make connections with a large group of other individuals with ASD. UMass Lowell graduate and undergraduate students gain hands on experience serving as group facilitators for the program.

2007-present In collaboration with Deirdra Murphy, PT, DPT, MHA, MS, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies at UMass Lowell I established a Physical Exercise Program, “Fit and Fun”, for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. It is a 9-week program and includes direct involvement of UMass Lowell students who are responsible for planning and running the weekly sessions. This program was financially supported through an internal UML Teaching and Learning grant, and by the Joseph P. Healey Endowment Grant.

2007-present In collaboration with Gena Greher, Ed.D. (UMass Lowell Department of Music) I have established a music intervention program called “SoundScape” for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. As with Fit and Fun, the goals of SoundScape are to reduce anxiety and stress among those with ASD, and improve peer relationships. UMass Lowell undergraduate and graduate students design and facilitate the program sessions. SoundScape was financially supported by the Joseph P. Healey Endowment Grant. 2009-present In Spring 2009 I established a peer mentoring program called Horizons where young adults on the autism spectrum who plan to attend university within the next two years are matched with a Psychology UML student. Student mentors and participants meet once a week for 6-weeks and discuss all aspects of university life. This program addresses the recognized need for supports which enable those with ASD to reach their full potential as a university student and succeed both academically and socially.

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2007-2013 In March 2007 I established the ‘Aspirations’ social and vocational skills support group for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Components of the program include a) 8-week social and vocational skills support programs for youth on the autism spectrum aged 18-30 years; and b) facilitated parent support groups for those with children in the Aspirations program. I have now run seven groups of Aspirations with six participants in each group. Graduate and undergraduate students are heavily involved and make significant contributions to the program. This program was financially supported by the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation. 2008-2012 In Spring 2008 and 2012 I ran a Movie Club for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. The Movie Club was an 8-week program which provides a unique opportunity for those on the autism spectrum to meet with others with ASD and make friends. It also served as a control group for the Fit and Fun exercise program.

Service to the Greater Lowell region

Advisory Boards and Councils

2014-present Member of the Autism/Asperger Network AANE/MRC Employment Project: Assessment Tool Committee.

*** 2014-present Member of the North Shore Arc Transition Task Force, Danvers, MA. 2009-present Member of the Autism/Asperger Network Professional Roundtable on College

Supports for Students with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Trainings / Presentations 2015 Panel presenter for VinFen’s 8th Annual Moving Images Film Festival: Family

Portraits: Strengths in Supports. Boston, MA, March 2015. 2014 Presentation for Transition Task Force, Northeast Arc, Danvers “Programs for

those with ASD at UMass Lowell.” September 2014. 2013 Presentation to Parker Charter School, Deven, MA “Disability Support Services

at University.” 2013 Presentation to Gateways Community Services, Nashua, NH “Transitioning to

university for those with ASD.” 2012 Presentation to Andover Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC)

“Attending College with Asperger’s Syndrome.” December 2012. 2012 Presentation to Greater Lawrence Technical school regarding supporting

students with Asperger’s syndrome in the high school.

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2010 Presentation to Lurie Family Autism Center, MGH/LADDERS, Lexington, MA. Programming for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. March 2010.

2009 Presentation to Westford Academy Alternative Education Program, Westford MA.

Programming for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. November 2009.

2009 Panel Presenter. College and Asperger’s Syndrome Conference. Asperger’s

Association of New England, Watertown, MA. October 2009. 2009 Panel Presenter. Teen Transition for those with ASD. Autism Resource Center,

Danvers, MA. October 2009. 2009 Presentations to D-Youville Senior Care Center Lowell, MA. Autism Spectrum

Disorders. May 2009. 2008 Department of Mental Retardation Service Co-ordinator Institute Training

Workshop, UMass Worcester Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Employment. May 2008.

2008 Presentation to parents and family members of young adults on the autism

spectrum (arranged through the organization “LifeLinks”), Lowell, MA. The “Aspirations” social and vocational skills support program. November 2008.

2008 Presentations at Lowell High School to classes of Psychology students, Lowell,

MA. Autism Spectrum Disorders; Going on to Study at University. April 2008. 2008 Poster presentation at Autism Resource Center, Danvers, MA. Current programs

for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. February 2008.

2007 Presentation to Family Support Providers, Department of Mental Retardation.

Lowell, MA. Social and vocational skills support for young adults on the autism spectrum. March 2007.

2007 Panel speaker, Department of Mental Retardation Transition Forum. Lowell, MA.

March 2007. 2007 Presentation to Asperger’s syndrome parent support group. Reading, MA. Social

and vocational skills support for young adults on the autism spectrum. February 2007.

2. Committee and Service Activities Department 2015-present Chair, Student Success Committee, Department of Psychology, University of

Massachusetts Lowell

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Meets monthly. A large portion of our meetings in Spring 2015 were spent organizing our Graduation Celebration for graduating Psychology students and their family members. We also have a list of tasks we are working on to improve the success of our Psychology majors and retention in the major. 2015-present Chair, Common Text Committee for General Psychology, Department of

Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell Will meet during May 2015 to identify a common textbook for General Psychology that will be adopted department wide. 2014-present Member, Doctoral Program Committee, Department of Psychology, University of

Massachusetts Lowell Meets monthly. My role is to review materials to promote the program, and to contribute to discussions surrounding the implementation of the Ph.D. 2012-present Member, Graduate Program Committee (Autism Studies), Department of

Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell Graduate admissions sub-committee

My role is to contribute to discussions relating to all aspects of the program. 2009-present Transfer Coordinator for internal and external Psychology transfer students. This

position has a stipend. I advise internal and external Psychology transfer students. On average, I advise around 4-5 students a week in this role. Advising continues year round. 2009-present Coordinator for the Specialization in Developmental Disabilities In this role I promote and raise awareness regarding the specialization and advise students in the specialization. I also coordinate with the Department of Developmental Services as I am PI on a grant they have funded for the specialization. They have funded the program annually since 2007 now totaling $988,000. 2006-present Member, Personnel Committee, Department of Psychology, University of

Massachusetts Lowell Behavioral Psychologist faculty search committee (Fall 2010 & Fall 2012)

Meets monthly to review tenure track, visiting faculty, and lecturers annual materials, as well as to discuss the procedures of the committee. 2006-2012 Member, Graduate Program Committee (Community Social Psychology),

Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell Graduate admissions sub-committee

2006-2012 Member, Undergraduate Program Committee, Department of Psychology,

University of Massachusetts Lowell College

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2010-present Member of the Dean’s Council of Interdisciplinary Academic Programs, University of Massachusetts Lowell

This Council used to meet with Julie Nash on a regular basis where all directors of the Interdisciplinary minors came together to discuss strategies to improve and promote the interdisciplinary minors. While this council still exists we have not met recently although I anticipate meetings will resume in the near future.

2009-present Program Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Minor in Disability Studies (this position

has a stipend). I advise 84 students in this minor. I regularly email students in the minor with updates regarding opportunities for courses, events, and experiential learning opportunities. I coordinate meetings with the faculty group for the minor which consists of faculty from across the university. Each semester I attend all disability related classes to inform students of upcoming events, opportunities, and course offerings for the following semester. In November 2014 I organized a one day conference “UMass Lowell Disability Studies Conference 2014: Research and Experiential work at UMass Lowell”. The conference included student and faculty presenters on three different panels and a poster session. The conference had 121 attendees including students, faculty, staff and community members. University 2015-present University Council of Advisors, Member. This Council aims to share advising strategies and best practices, brainstorm new ways to get the most out of our advising system, and develop specific campaigns that address unique advising needs of particular student groups by capitalizing on the tools and functionality of the Student Success Collaborative. We meet monthly. My role so far has been to contribute to our discussion surrounding how to improve advising at UMass Lowell. 2012-2014 Teaching and Learning Fellow, University of Massachusetts Lowell April 2013 Reviewer for UMass Lowell internal seed grants. 2011-2013 Faculty Senate, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2009-2012 Co-coordinator of an Interdisciplinary Exchange and Advancement (IDEA)

Community focused on Disability Issues, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2009-2012 Member, Child Care Committee, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2009-2010 Member, Undergraduate Education and Academic Programs Committee,

University Strategic Planning Committee, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2009-2010 Member, Research and Scholarship Committee, University Strategic Planning,

University of Massachusetts Lowell

2006-2007 Member, Scholarly Research Forum, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2006-2008 Member, Council on Diversity and Pluralism, University of Massachusetts Lowell

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3. Other Service to the University 2013-present Faculty Advisor, Best Buddies UMass Lowell Student Organization I communicate on a regular basis with the e-Board for Best Buddies and provide advice and support for their efforts in recruiting members, organizing events, and running the club. 2011-present Co-advisor, Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society for Students with Disabilities I am available to provide advice and support for the students in this society. Every year I participate in their induction ceremony which is well attended by students and their family members. 2010-present Co-advisor, Disable the Label UMass Lowell Student Organization I communicate on a regular basis with the e-Board for Disable the Label and provide advice and support for their efforts in recruiting members, organizing events, and running the club. 2013 Panel Presenter. Tenure and Promotion Workshop, May 2013. 2012 Panel Presenter. Tenure and Promotion Workshop, May 2012. 2012 Presentation for Department of Psychology Spring Colloquium Series, University

of Massachusetts Lowell. Physical exercise reduces stress and anxiety among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Feb, 2012.

2008-2011 Presentations to various UMass Lowell administrative departments including:

• Careers Services. Asperger’s syndrome. January 2011 • Division of Student Affairs. Asperger’s syndrome. October, 2008 • Police Department. Asperger’s syndrome. August, 2008 • Health Services. UML Students with Asperger’s syndrome. June, 2008

2008 Presentation for Department of Psychology Spring Colloquium Series, University

of Massachusetts Lowell. Evaluation of a university based social and vocational skills program for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. April, 2008.

2007 Member, Americans with Disabilities Act Task Force 2007 Presentation to Northeast Regional Direct Support Professional Conference,

Danvers, MA. UMass Lowell’s Specialization in Developmental Disabilities, and Disability Studies Minor. 2007.

2006 Presentation for Department of Psychology Fall Colloquium Series, University of

Massachusetts Lowell. Investigating cognitive performance among adults on the autism spectrum.