Marie Kirkpatrick

Dr. Marie Kirkpatrick is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma. She is a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and Licensed Behavior Analyst in Oklahoma and Texas. She serves as the faculty advisor and coordinator of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) graduate program. Prior to coming to the University of Oklahoma, she was an Assistant Professor in the ABA program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She received her bachelor's degree from UT San Antonio while working as an early childhood special education paraeducator. Prior to receiving her master's degree in autism and ABA from Texas State University, she was a special education teacher. She received her PhD in educational psychology (specialization in ABA) from Baylor University. 

Largely, her research focuses on evidence-based practices (EBPs) based on the principles of behavior analysis to improve outcomes for autistic students. Her main research line focuses on preparing and supporting educators by developing and evaluating training/coaching models that strengthen teacher implementation of EBPs for autistic students in schools. Her secondary line focuses on EBPs that promote play, social communication, and engagement for young autistic children, including direct implementation and training/coaching others (e.g., educators, caregivers). To support her research and scholarship, Dr. Kirkpatrick and her colleagues have secured over $4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education, state agencies, and university internal grants. She serves on the Editorial Board for Behavioral and Social Issues and Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Through her scholarship, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Kirkpatrick aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by equipping educators with the tools needed to foster meaningful inclusion and positive outcomes for autistic children and youth.