Who We Are

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 Scholars work collaboratively to 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.

Robyn Catagnus, EdD, LBS, BCBA-D

Noor Y. Syed, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA/LBS

Dr. Robyn Catagnus is a board-certified behavior analyst and full professor of Behavior Analysis at National University. She’s owned and operated a successful behavior consulting firm and held executive roles in behavioral health and educational technology organizations. As a management consultant, she’s developed human capital initiatives to improve organizational behavior. She is a trustee of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies; reviewer for several prestigious behavior analysis journals; and former member of the editorial board for member of Perspectives on Behavior Science, the flagship journal of Applied Behavior Analysis International. Dr. Catagnus was the founding president of the Multicultural Alliance of Behavior Analysts and Past President of the Culture and Diversity SIG. Dr. Catagnus has degrees in instruction and technology, education, and leadership and strategy (with an emphasis on mindfulness in business).

Dr. Noor Syed (she/they) is an Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as the founding Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) with SUNY Empire State University. Recently, she supported the launch of and coordinated a Masters of Science in ABA, in which a core tenet is affirming, responsive practice. Dr. Syed has also been named the Turben Director of Autism Advocacy with CAARES, whose primary initiative is to help SUNY Empire become a fully inclusive and supportive college for those who identify as neurodiverse through a multi-tiered system of support framework. The university was designated an Autistic Supportive™ institution in 2022. In addition, Dr. Syed is the director of Anderson Center International, an organization dedicated to providing training in evidenced-based strategies for scholars from under-resourced areas globally and is President of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis. She is an Adjunct Doctoral Advisor in ABA with Endicott College, and is a certified general and special education teacher. Dr. Syed serves on the ABA Ethics Hotline and on the Scientific Council with the Organization for Autism Research. She received her undergraduate degree in behavior analysis under Dr. Raymond G. Romanczyk in the Institute of Child Development at Binghamton University and completed her PhD in ABA with Dr. R. Douglas Greer at Teachers College, Columbia University. Noor is Neurodivergent and came to this work because of her beloved cousin who was born with significant intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.

Tara Fahmie, PhD,
BCBA-D

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 (MMI) as an Associate Director. The Severe Behavior Department provides 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. In June 2025, Dr. Fahmie assumed the role of Director of the Severe Behavior Department at MMI. Dr. Fahmie’s research focuses on  the assessment, treatment, and prevention of severe behavior. Dr. Fahmie thoroughly enjoys mentoring students and professionals from various backgrounds and strives to provide an inclusive training environment that embraces diverse perspectives.