Supporting the advancement of elite graduate students on their journeys toward becoming leaders in behavioral science.

The mission of the Distinguished Scholars is to support the advancement of elite graduate students on their journeys toward becoming leaders in behavioral science. In service of the mission of the Center, Distinguished Scholar volunteers collaboratively identify, explore, and execute projects under the guidance of established leaders, the Center Advisors and Trustees. The group was formed in response to the one of the Center’s primary goals: to improve the future of behavioral science by education and development of the next wave of behavioral scientists and practitioners. Student-initiated projects align with the Center’s other main goals: to create and deliver trustworthy information on high quality behavioral services and science around the world, and to promote global collaboration among behavioral organizations. Students also work in various capacities to support the Center, such as through volunteer efforts at Center conferences. Scholars’ activities align with Center’s overall mission: to use the science of human behavior to alleviate human suffering.

University Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute

Dr. Tara Fahmie, BCBA-D is an Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Severe Behavior Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute. Dr. Fahmie received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2005. She received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences from the University of Kansas under the mentorship of Dr. Gregory Hanley in 2007. She received her PhD from the University of Florida in Behavior Analysis under the mentorship of Dr. Brian Iwata in 2012. Between 2012 and 2020, Dr. Fahmie was a faculty member of the Psychology Department at California State University, Northridge. In 2021, Dr. Fahmie joined the Severe Behavior Program at the Munroe-Meyer Institute as an Associate Director. The Severe Behavior Program clinics provide assessment and treatment services to children with severe problem behaviors. The aim of services is to provide evidence-based behavioral assessment, intervention, and training to individuals and their caregivers, focusing on decreasing problematic and maladaptive behaviors and teaching functional, alternative behaviors using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Dr. Fahmie specializes in the assessment and treatment of problem behavior and has experience providing these behavioral services in various settings (homes, schools, residential programs, clinics). At California State University, Northridge, Dr. Fahmie directed the Functional Assessment and Healthy Behavior (FAHB) clinic and research lab, which provided low- or no-cost access to assessment and treatment services in an outpatient university setting and in collaboration with local schools and autism agencies. In addition, Dr. Fahmie regularly consults with service providers in her local community and internationally to assist in the development and implementation of evidence-based, best practice strategies for the assessment and treatment of problem behavior. Dr. Fahmie focuses on training and consultation models that are culturally informed and sustainable. Dr. Fahmie also investigates assessment and intervention strategies that will prevent minor forms of problem behavior from escalating in severity.

Dr. Fahmie thoroughly enjoys mentoring students and professionals from various backgrounds and strives to provide an inclusive training environment that embraces diverse perspectives.