Get to know Trent, one of READi lab’s diligent and hard-working graduate students. Learn a bit about his ongoing efforts to enhance early intervention provider trainings and to improve the quality of services for toddlers with or at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) below!
- What made you want to study in the READi Lab?
Prior to graduate school, I worked in a different lab at the UW focused on ASD research. During that time, Dr. Stone gave a presentation for our lab on the very cool and impactful research being conducted by the READi Lab. When I decided to apply to child clinical psychology doctoral programs, I knew that the READi Lab would be an awesome place for me to continue collaborating on important ASD research that is focused on directly improving the lives of children with ASD and their families.
- What are the implications of your dissertation?
My dissertation is looking at changes in family satisfaction with the ASD-related health care they receive and other indicators of family wellbeing following the introduction of Screen-Refer-Treat (SRT) into local Washington State counties. SRT was specifically designed to train primary care providers and early interventionists in evidence-based tools for early ASD detection and intervention. The hope is that such trainings increase community capacity for ASD-specific services and improve the quality of care received by families of young children who are showing early signs of ASD.
- What do you want to be when you grow-up?
Well, I’m not sure I will ever grow up. In part, this is because I am a child at heart despite all my gray hair, but I also try to view growing as an action and not an achievement. My hope is that I am growing a little every day in terms of becoming a better partner, friend, researcher, clinician, and advocate for others.
- Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a 1 year-old mini Australian Shepherd named Harper who is super fun and very smart.
- So, you’re a sailor, huh? Where all have you sailed to? What was your favorite trip?
Yeah, my wife and I have been sailing (racing and cruising) for about 5 years, but not as much this past year because of the pandemic. We have been fortunate to sail all around the Puget Sound region including many trips to the San Juan Islands. It’s hard to pick a favorite trip, but the biggest trip we did was from Vancouver BC to Seattle via the Gulf Islands. It’s pretty magical up there.
- Please share two truths and a lie about yourself. (Scroll down to discover Trent’s fib!)
- I had a close encounter with orca whales while kayaking
- I have been a student or an employee at the UW for 10 years
- During quarantine, I learned how to cut my own hair
Trent has not (yet) had a close encounter with orca whales while kayaking.