• International Development Grant
• Senior Student Presenter Grant
• Innovative Student Research Grant
• Innovative Student Research Grant in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Sidney W. & Janet R. Bijou Grant
• Public Awareness Grant
• Microcredentials Grant

Universidad Veracruzana

Project Title: Advancing Behavior Analysis: Strengthening Behavior Analysis within a Biomedical Program in Mexico

Behavior analysis has a long tradition in Mexico but remains limited to a few psychology-focused programs and the focus has tended to be training of basic researchers. Thus far, the potential for building a strong applied branch with interdisciplinary collaboration remains underutilized. In 2023, a specialization track in behavior analysis was introduced within the biomedical doctoral program at Universidad Veracruzana (Veracruz, Mexico), providing an opportunity to integrate behavior analysis into the biomedical field and foster collaboration with medical doctors, nutritionists, biologists, and others. This terminal line builds on a rich history of collaboration between behavior analysis and biomedicine (e.g., behavioral pharmacology) and the interdisciplinary collaborations of applied behavior analysts with health professionals. The existing program offers courses on single-subject design, behavioral principles, health applications, and the experimental analysis of behavior, equipping students with both behavioral and biomedical expertise. A critical challenge is the lack of translated materials (e.g., articles, videos) and equipment essential for effective instruction (video recording devices, timers, and data collection tools). These gaps hinder the program’s ability to deliver education in behavior analysis aligned with global standards set by ABAI (https://www.abainternational.org/higher-education.aspx).

This proposal aims to strengthen the training provided in the behavior analysis specialization track by addressing resource gaps. The funds from this grant will support the (1) translation of essential materials, including six journal articles and three instructional videos, (2) acquisition of low-cost clinical and lab equipment, and (3) the development of two technical manuals for course use (single-subject design data analysis and behavioral data collection). The applicants, all native Spanish speakers who are fluent in English, will serve as translators.

Creating these resources in Spanish would provide a sustainable foundation for interdisciplinary education and advance behavior analysis applications in biomedical fields in Mexico. Improving the resources available to train students will, in turn, attract more students to behavior analysis and help position the program to meet Verified Course Sequence (VCS) criteria in a mid-term, solidifying its role as a leading initiative in Latin America.

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