Research Assistant at UCF ROCK&T Lab - Dr. McIntyre

In the Reading and Oral Comprehension in Kids & Teens (ROCK&T) Lab at UCF we believe that all children can learn to read and we make it our mission to help them attain this goal. Our primary focus is to support the development of robust reading and listening comprehension skills for children and adolescents with autism or those with or at risk for reading disabilities using evidence-based practices in school settings.

What we do:

  • Language and reading comprehension development in school-aged children and adolescents with autism

  • Classroom-based listening and reading comprehension interventions for students with autism

  • Classroom-based comprehensive reading interventions for young struggling readers

  • Professional development and implementation support for educators and school-based speech-language pathologists working with students with autism or those with or at risk for reading disabilities

Clinical Trial Research:

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet Effects on Serum Uric Acid (SUA) in Adults with Hyperuricemia and Gout

During my academic journey, I collaborated with my classmates on a clinical research study focusing on gout, a complex form of arthritis that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life. Through this project, we explored the physiological mechanisms, risk factors, and clinical outcomes associated with gout, delving into both its acute and chronic effects.

Our team conducted an in-depth review of existing literature and analyzed patient data to identify key trends and gaps in current research. This process not only enhanced my understanding of the condition but also honed my analytical and collaborative skills. By synthesizing our findings, we proposed practical recommendations to improve patient care and guide future studies, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, lifestyle modifications, and expanded research into treatment efficacy.

This experience deepened my appreciation for evidence-based practices and the collaborative nature of clinical research, lessons I carry into my work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and beyond. It reaffirmed my commitment to using data-driven insights to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.