Biography
Bruna Gonçalves is a doctoral student in the special education program. Her research focuses on the implementation of functional communication training (FCT) within school settings, with a particular interest in supporting students with challenging behavior and their teachers. Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Gonçalves served as a special education teacher for four years and is currently working toward certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Gonçalves has presented her work at national conferences, including the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Single Case Conference, and TASH. Originally from Brazil, Gonçalves’s passion for special education is deeply rooted in her lived experience growing up alongside her sister with cerebral palsy—an early influence that continues to inspire her work in the field.
Education
Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2027 (expected)
M.S., Brigham Young University, 2021
B.S., Brigham Young University, 2019
Research
- Functional communication training in school settings
- Special education teacher preparation
- Crisis intervention training
- Special education teacher well-being