Josephine Cuda

Josephine Cuda is an Assistant Professor in the Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) at Curry College. She holds a Ph.D. in Teaching, Curriculum, and Society from Boston College, an M.Ed. in Autism and Intellectual Disability from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University. Previously, she worked as a special educator in New Jersey and New York City public schools.

Her research centers on:

• Identity formation in autistic adolescents/adults
• Psychosocial development across the neurodivergent lifespan
• Fostering agency in students with disabilities
• Disability-informed educational frameworks

Her publications predominantly explore autism experiences in educational settings using qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with recent work analyzing disability narratives, friendship conceptualizations, and systemic barriers in intervention services.

Notable Awards:

• George W. Goethals Teaching Award (2021)
• Donald J. White Excellence in Teaching Award (2020)
• LEND Fellowship, Boston Children’s Hospital (2017-2018)