معرفی
Amy Vaughan Van Hecke serves as Assistant Chair and Professor in Marquette University's Department of Psychology, leading research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social development across the lifespan using neuroimaging and psychophysiological methods. She directs community initiatives to improve autism services access for underserved Milwaukee populations through the Next Step Clinic.
Her academic foundation includes:
- B.A. in Psychology from Smith College
- Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Miami
Dr. Van Hecke's research centers on brain activity, heart rate regulation, and social behavior in individuals with and without ASD, utilizing high-density EEG and MRI to examine neural responses to interventions like PEERS®. Current projects investigate pandemic impacts on social interaction in autistic adults and neural mechanisms of social isolation remediation. Her work bridges laboratory neuroscience with community-based clinical applications.
Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on intervention efficacy (particularly PEERS®), neural plasticity measurement, and comorbid conditions across developmental stages. Recent work emphasizes gender-specific outcomes, family impacts, and pandemic-related mental health, demonstrating methodological diversity from EEG asymmetry to community-based participatory research.
Her distinguished scientific recognition includes:
- Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) from the National Institute of Mental Health
Dr. Van Hecke mentors students through her Marquette Autism Project lab and the Next Step Clinic training program while securing major grants from Marquette University, Johnson Controls Foundation, and the Greater Milwaukee Funders’ Collaborative. She teaches undergraduate/graduate courses in developmental psychology and statistics.
- Advising: Clinical psychology graduate mentorship (excluding 2025 intake); undergraduate research supervision
- Grants: $500k+ secured for Next Step Clinic serving underserved Milwaukee children
She co-directs the Marquette Interdisciplinary Autism Initiative and the Next Step Clinic, which employs a Family Navigation model in Milwaukee's Metcalfe Park neighborhood to provide autism screening, diagnosis, and therapy for children aged 15 months-10 years facing systemic barriers to care.
