Dr. Vicki Knapp, Associate Professor and Executive Director and Chair of the Behavioral Science Department, was appointed to the New York State Board for Applied Behavior Analysis by the Board of Regents on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 
“I am really honored to have been selected as a member of this board,” said Knapp. “I am excited to continue my service to the profession in an advisory role and collaborate with the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions more closely to help influence decisions and recommendations.”
Knapp is dedicated to studying the science of behavior and how it’s interpreted and portrayed in New York State. “There has been a long history of misunderstanding and misinterpretation,” said Knapp. “I’m excited to have a voice to help clarify exactly what we do as behavior analysts, how we function, and how we fit into the broader array of professions in New York.”
Knapp’s unique expertise in representing both practitioners and education enables her to provide a holistic perspective in this role. “I understand the educational landscape and what it means in New York in particular. It’s important to have somebody with this perspective, and I’m thankful the board agreed and put me in this role,” she said.
Most universities that offer degrees in applied behavior analysis focus heavily on autism. A key benefit of the Daemen program is the variety of science applications that are available in business, organizational behavior management, health, sports, fitness, education, pediatrics, gerontology, foster care system, and juvenile justice. “This diversity distinguishes Daemen from other universities because it gives students options,” said Knapp. “I often tell my students if you want to do that, great. If you want to focus on something else, great. We help support students wherever their interests lie.”
Knapp is dedicated to promoting the applied behavior analysis program and shining a light on how impactful it can be for interprofessional collaborative teams. “Daemen faculty bring a thoughtful perspective to assessment, treatment, intervention, and follow up in unique ways,” she added. “Everything students learn in our program is based on the science of human behavior and why people do what they do.”
Knapp’s first term runs from Nov. 5, 2024 to Nov. 4, 2029.