Bethany Contreras

Bethany Contreras is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), within the College of Science. She holds a PhD in Disability Disciplines (Applied Behavior Analysis) from Utah State University (2017) and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Missouri. Her expertise spans behavioral interventions for neurodevelopmental disabilities, particularly autism spectrum disorders, focusing on skill acquisition, response variability, and parent/teacher training.

Education:

• B.S. Biology, Arizona State University, 2008
• M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis & Organizational Behavior Management, Florida Institute of Technology, 2012
• PhD Disability Disciplines (Emphasis in ABA), Utah State University, 2017

Research focuses on optimizing behavioral interventions for children with autism, including reinforced variability in problem-solving, efficient skill acquisition methods, and promoting independent language/play skills. She also studies effective instruction techniques in higher education. Certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level (BCBA-D).

Her work emphasizes practical applications, such as training paraprofessionals and parents via technology-aided methods. Recent research explores cultural competency in ABA service delivery and ethical frameworks in behavior analysis.