Ashley Ya-Hsuan Huang

Can you introduce yourself and share how you became interested in ABA?

Hi, my name is Ya-Hsuan, and you can call me Ashley. I'm from Taiwan, and I first got interested in ABA during college when I was working as a tutor and I met a BCBA. I then worked as a behavior technician for almost two years, and I really enjoyed the experience. That's when I realized I wanted to continue studying and working in this field.

Why did you choose the Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Washington?

I chose the on-campus program because international students are not allowed to enroll in the online program. I also learned that ABA has a strong history at the University of Washington. My undergraduate advisor actually graduated from this program, and she highly recommended it. Another reason is that the ABA program falls under the STEM category, which allows international students to apply for a three-year work visa after graduation instead of just one year, like many other programs.

How have your courses and fieldwork shaped your personal or professional growth?

This is my second year in the ABA program, and I really enjoy it. My practicum site is at the Haring Center at University of Washington, which is a research and practice center affiliated with the university. It's a great environment with lots of resources and support.

The professors at UW are also very supportive. They're always willing to help when we have questions, and it's easy to talk with them. I've also had the opportunity to get involved in research, which helps me develop both research skills and practical experiences.

What has been the best part of your experience in the ABA program so far?

One of the best parts has been the community, both the classmates and the professors. My classmates are all working toward the same goal, so we support each other a lot. We have great discussions in class, and at the end of each quarter, we often hang out and celebrate together.

The professors are also incredibly supportive. If we have questions, we can always talk to them after class or schedule meetings with them. It's very easy. They respond to emails very quickly and are always willing to help, even with questions from practicum or outside of class. I'm about to enter my final quarter in this program and I'm happy I made the decision to come here.