Dr. Brittany Dale | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Brittany Dale | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor Ball State University, United States

Dr. Brittany A. Dale is a tenured Associate Professor of Special Education at Ball State University, specializing in autism spectrum disorders and school psychology. With a Ph.D. in School Psychology and post-doctoral training in neurodevelopmental disabilities, she has built a distinguished academic and clinical career. Dr. Dale has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, focusing on autism assessment, cognitive profiling, and interprofessional collaboration in educational settings. Her work bridges research and practice, addressing real-world challenges such as virtual assessment and equity in psychoeducational evaluations. In addition to her research, she actively mentors graduate students, teaches specialized courses in autism, and serves as a licensed psychologist and independent school psychologist. Her scholarly contributions demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing knowledge, improving practices, and fostering inclusive education for neurodiverse populations. Dr. Dale’s impactful, interdisciplinary work positions her as a strong candidate for recognition through the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Brittany A. Dale holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Ball State University, completed in 2009, with a specialization in counseling. Her doctoral program was APA-accredited, and her dissertation focused on cognitive assessment across diverse preschool populations. She also earned an M.A. in School Psychology from Ball State University (2006), within a NASP-accredited program, and a B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University (2004). Following her doctorate, Dr. Dale completed a post-doctoral fellowship through the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine. This intensive 2000-hour fellowship emphasized assessment of autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Additionally, she completed a 2000-hour APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Cummins Behavioral Health. Her rigorous and diverse academic preparation laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary expertise in education, clinical psychology, and autism spectrum disorders, establishing her as a qualified and well-rounded scholar-practitioner in the field of special education and psychological assessment.

Professional Experience

Dr. Brittany A. Dale has built a robust professional career integrating academia, clinical practice, and school-based psychology. She currently serves as a tenured Associate Professor of Special Education at Ball State University, where she has taught since 2010 in various faculty roles. Her teaching includes both graduate and undergraduate courses focused on autism, assessment, and intervention. Previously, she served as a graduate advisor and has mentored numerous students in the areas of special education and applied behavior analysis. Clinically, Dr. Dale has worked for nearly a decade as a licensed psychologist at the Center for Psychological Development, conducting comprehensive assessments and supervising doctoral students. She also serves as an independent contract school psychologist with Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation, providing psychoeducational evaluations in early childhood education. Her career reflects a unique and impactful blend of teaching, clinical practice, and applied research that directly supports children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.

Research Interest

Dr. Dale’s research interests center on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cognitive and psychoeducational assessment, and the intersection of school psychology with interdisciplinary collaboration. She is particularly focused on improving diagnostic practices and treatment planning for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Her work often addresses real-world challenges such as tele-assessment, cultural considerations in evaluation, and educational service delivery for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Dr. Dale has also contributed to the literature on assessment tools like the WISC-V, Bayley-4, and WAIS-5, frequently collaborating with national experts on cognitive development and standardized testing. She explores both quantitative and qualitative approaches to enhance diagnostic precision and educational outcomes. Additionally, she examines the implementation of social-emotional learning strategies and individualized education plans (IEPs) through school-based consultations. Dr. Dale’s research is not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in practice, with strong implications for policy, clinical protocols, and educational interventions.

Award and Honor

While specific named awards are not listed in the CV, Dr. Brittany Dale’s academic and professional track record reflects recognition through sustained tenure, peer-reviewed publications, and collaborative projects with leading scholars in psychology and education. Being promoted to tenured Associate Professor at Ball State University signifies institutional recognition of her contributions to teaching, research, and service. Her inclusion as a co-author in high-impact journals, such as Psychology in the Schools, Journal of Intelligence, and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, reflects strong peer endorsement of her research quality. Dr. Dale has collaborated with esteemed psychologists such as Alan S. Kaufman, further validating her credibility in the field. Additionally, she has served as a content specialist for autism-focused coursework, underscoring her expertise. While formal awards might enhance visibility, her ongoing publication record and leadership in autism assessment position her as a distinguished contributor worthy of competitive research accolades such as the Best Researcher Award.

Conclusion

Dr. Brittany A. Dale exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded academic researcher, clinical practitioner, and educator. With a solid educational foundation, she has translated her training into a career of meaningful impact in special education, autism assessment, and school psychology. Her prolific research output—covering timely and practice-oriented topics—demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing both science and service for neurodiverse populations. Her ability to integrate clinical expertise, university teaching, and collaborative scholarship sets her apart as a leader in the field. Dr. Dale’s work is characterized by academic rigor, real-world relevance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Though not widely decorated with traditional awards, her scholarly reputation is evident through publication, institutional advancement, and professional licensing. She stands out as a dedicated scholar whose research has direct implications for educators, clinicians, and families. As such, Dr. Dale is a highly suitable candidate for recognition through the Best Researcher Award and similar honors.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Dyadic mechanisms of effect in home–school consultation: Evidence from two school-based consultation models

    • Authors: Brittany A. Dale, Lindsey N. Ogle, Lisa A. Ruble, Gazi F. Azad

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: Does the Degree of Prematurity Relate to the Bayley‑4 Scores Earned…

    • Authors: Emily L. Winter, Jacqueline M. Caemmerer, Sierra M. Trudel, Johanna deLeyer-Tiarks, Melissa A. Bray, Brittany A. Dale, Alan S. Kaufman

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 1

  • Title: Assessment for DHH With Additional Disabilities (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: Nena R. Neild, Brittany A. Dale, Michael Fitzpatrick

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: Integrating evaluation data to enhance treatment planning for students with ASD

    • Authors: Melissa A. Bray, Brittany A. Dale

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: Performance of children with ASD on the WISC‑V ancillary index scales

    • Authors: Brittany A. Dale, William Holmes Finch, Kassie A. R. Shellabarger

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: School psychologists and autism identification: Present challenges and potential solutions

    • Authors: Suzanne G. Margiano, Kari A. Sassu, Brittany A. Dale, Jacqueline M. Caemmerer, Melissa A. Bray, Emily Peters

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: Supporting practitioners in school-based evaluations of autism spectrum disorders

    • Authors: Sarah W. Harry, Kayla E. Bates-Brantley, Breya L. Whitefield, Brittany A. Dale

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: Comparison of Verbal Performance of Children with ASD on the WISC‑V

    • Authors: Brittany A. Dale, W. Holmes Finch, Kassie A. R. Shellabarger, Andrew Davis

    • Year: 2022

  • Title: Bayley‑4 performance of very young children with autism, developmental delay…

    • Authors: Brittany A. Dale, Jacqueline M. Caemmerer, Emily L. Winter, Alan S. Kaufman

    • Year: 2022

  • Title: Collaborative approaches to autism spectrum disorder assessment

    • Authors: Brittany A. Dale, Melissa A. Bray

    • Year: 2022

  • Title: WISC‑V Profiles of Children With ASD Using CART Analysis

    • Authors: Brittany A. Dale, W. Holmes Finch, Kassie A. R. Shellabarger, Andrew Davis

    • Year: 2021

  • Title: Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Settings, Part 3

    • Authors: Natalie A. Kruzliakova, Brittany A. Dale, Leslie J. Remache, Constance E. McIntosh, Jayanthi Kandiah

    • Year: 2021

  • Title: Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Settings, Part 2

    • Authors: Brittany A. Dale, Natalie A. Kruzliakova, Constance E. McIntosh, Jayanthi Kandiah

    • Year: 2021

  • Title: Profile analysis of the PAI‑A for individuals with ASD

    • Authors: Elizabeth Hooks, Brittany A. Dale, Maria E. Hernandez Finch

    • Year: 2021

  • Title: Assessment needs of families with children who are DHH referred for ASD evaluation

    • Authors: Brittany A. Dale, Raschelle Neild

    • Year: 2020

Samantha Walkden | Psychology | Best Scholar Award

 Samantha Walkden : Psychology

👨‍🏫Samantha Walkden stands as a distinguished academic and researcher in the domain of Psychology. Holding a Phd in University of Huddersfield his professional journey exemplifies dedication and expertise. 📚

🌐 Professional Profiles:

Educational Qualifications 🎓
  • 2014: BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology, University of Central Lancashire (2:1)
  • 2017: MSc Investigative Psychology, University of Huddersfield (Distinction)
  • 2022: Doctor of Philosophy, Forensic Psychology, University of Huddersfield
  • 2023: Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE)
Professional Memberships and Certifications 🌟
  • 2017-2022: Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society
  • 2021: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, FHEA
  • 2022: Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, full member of the Division of Forensic Psychology
Academic Employment Journey 📚

Senior Roles and Editorial Engagements

Samantha Walkden  recent appointment as the Social Media Editor for the Journal of Criminal Psychology showcases her commitment to bridging academic research with public understanding. This role allows  to engage with the audience on various research articles from the journal, making psychological and criminal justice-related research more accessible and engaging.

Educational Leadership and Programme Direction

Samantha Walkden elevation to the role of Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at Leeds Trinity University signifies her expertise and contributions in academia. Additionally position as Co-Programme Director for the MSc Forensic Psychology underscores her leadership in steering and developing academic programs.

Teaching and Supervisory Responsibilities

In addition to  continued responsibilities as a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, her enhanced role involves overseeing and guiding the new provision of the MSc Forensic Psychology. While  teaching and supervisory duties remain consistent, this new responsibility adds a layer of leadership and direction to her academic portfolio.

Postgraduate Provisions and Academic Engagement 🎓

Contributing significantly to the development of the MSc Forensic Psychology while navigating the associated paperwork for BPS accreditation demonstrates her commitment to advancing academic programs. Her involvement in creating and teaching modules within the MSc Applied Custodial Leadership (Level 7) underscores  versatile teaching capabilities across diverse academic levels.

Supervisory Responsibilities 📚

Multifaceted supervisory role—overseeing final year research projects for Psychology students (Level 6), mentoring MSc Applied Custodial Leadership students, guiding special subject modules, and mentoring Forensic Practitioner modules—reflects your dedication to fostering academic growth. Additionally, role as a personal tutor across different study levels and mentorship for new staff showcases your commitment to academic mentorship and support.

Research Interests and Contributions 🧠

Her research interests encompass critical areas like mental illness perception, its intersection with offending behavior, mental health stigma, media portrayal of mental health, and gendered observations of pain and health disparities. Her conference presentations and contributions to various academic events demonstrate  active involvement in disseminating research insights and engaging with scholarly communities.

Pending and In-Progress Publications 📝

Pending work on public stigma toward individuals with schizophrenia, considering perceiver characteristics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health, particularly related to physical activity and gym closures, showcases commitment to contributing new knowledge in the field of psychology and mental health.

Publications by Samantha Walkden📚🔍:

“So It’s Like a Painful Period?” Living with Endometriosis: My Journey Paper Published in 2023

 Public Attitudes Towards Offenders with Mental Illness Scale (PATOMI): Establishing a Valid Tool to Measure Public Perceptions Paper Published in 2021

Samantha Walkden’s active involvement across teaching, supervisory roles, and diverse research endeavors highlights a holistic dedication to academia and the advancement of psychological understanding.