Mentoring, Diversity, and the Future of ABA: A Conversation with BACB President Dr. SungWoo Kahng

Join us this week as we sit down with the eminent Dr. SungWoo Kahng, a leader in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Wearing multiple hats, from being the Behavior Analyst Certification Board President to his roles at Rutgers University as Chair of the Department of Applied Psychology, Director of Academic Programs in Autism and ABA, and Professor, Dr. Kahng offers invaluable insights from his years of experience. We delve deep into the essence of mentoring, its pivotal role in shaping upcoming professionals, and the pressing need for diversity and equity in ABA. But that's not all - we also discuss current trends and challenges in our profession, actionable steps to take, and explore his vision for the future of the field. 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newbie in the world of ABA, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge, perspective, and inspiration. Don't miss it!

Show Notes/Links:

Articles on the lack of representation of Asian Americans in leadership positions:

• Asian Americans Are the Least Likely Group in the U.S. to Be Promoted to Management
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Faculty and the Bamboo Ceiling: Barriers to Leadership and Implications for Leadership Development

Several, but certainly not an exhaustive, listing of articles on increasing cultural diversity and cultural responsiveness within behavior analysis:

• Beaulieu, L., Addington, J., & Almeida, D. (2019). Behavior analysts' training and practices regarding cultural diversity: The case for culturally competent care. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(3), 557-575.
• Conners, B., Johnson, A., Duarte, J., Murriky, R., & Marks, K. (2019). Future directions of training and fieldwork in diversity issues in applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12, 767-776.
• Fong, E. H., Catagnus, R. M., Brodhead, M. T., Quigley, S., & Field, S. (2016). Developing the cultural awareness skills of behavior analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(1), 84-94.
• Jimenez‐Gomez, C., & Beaulieu, L. (2022). Cultural responsiveness in applied behavior analysis: Research and practice. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(3), 650-673.

Articles on Mentoring and Influences in behavior analysis:

• LeBlanc, L. A. (2015). My mentors and their influences on my career. The Behavior Analyst, 38(2), 237-245.
• Favell, J. E. (2015). A career in behavior analysis: Notes from the journey. The Behavior Analyst, 38(2), 229-236
• Pétursdóttir, A. I. (2015). Influences on my early academic career. The Behavior Analyst, 38, 255-262..

Donate to World Behavior Analysis Day: https://behavioranalysisday.com/donate-to-wbada