CAR Student Alumni Stories: Jaclin Boorse, MEd

Jaclin Boorse, MEd

Jaclin Boorse, MEd joined the Center for Autism Research in the fall of 2015 as a work-study student for the administrative team, then worked with the Language team, headed by Dr. Julia Parish-Morris, from summer 2016 to summer 2018. During her time with the Language team, Boorse transcribed the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and other language samples, coded gestures for the Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS), worked on manuals to ensure consistent transcription guidelines, and participated in natural language conversations as part of the research procedures.

"The highlight of my time at CAR was the opportunity to complete my senior honors thesis with Dr. Parish-Morris as my advisor," Boorse said. "I used transcriptions from the ADOS Module 3 Cartoons section to examine linguistic differences between boys and girls with and without ASD for this storytelling task. I was lucky enough for the paper, "Linguistic Markers of Autism in Girls: Evidence of a ‘Blended Phenotype' During Storytelling," to be published.

"The knowledge of the research process and research methods I learned at CAR were invaluable as I transitioned to grad school after graduation, as well as the incredible opportunity to work with and be advised by such kind and helpful PIs, RAs, and fellow students. I also credit the psychometricians Alison Pomykacz-Hulick, MA, EdS, and with helping me discover school psych."

Boorse graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Distinction, summa cum laude. She received her Master of Education in Human Development as part of the doctoral program in School Psychology at Lehigh University and will complete her doctoral internship in a PA school district.

Her research interests include measuring reading and math growth on academic assessments and data-based decision-making practices in schools. Her dissertation is focused on studying the interrelationship of reading and math growth on a computer adaptive test using latent growth modeling.

Participated in Student Role at CAR

2015-2018

Current role

Doctoral Student, Lehigh University