07/13/2026
We are so thrilled to find out that such a distinguished person has received this award! Congratulations to Dr Poulsen!! https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1048219527729703&id=100076249976848&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=tJEAquyProropV0C #
🌟 2026 WIBA Hall of Fame Inductee: Claire L. Poulson, PhD
She was mentored by Donald Baer. She went on to mentor 27 PhD students — 23 of them women. She published over 60 peer-reviewed papers. She was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and a National Science Honor Society member. And by every account of everyone who ever worked with her, she made you feel like family.
Dr. Claire L. Poulson spent decades at Queens College, City University of New York producing some of the most foundational research in behavior analysis — on generalized imitation, vocal behavior, affective responding, gestures, empathy, social referencing, and play in children with autism. Work that was rigorous, meticulous, and quietly revolutionary.
But what her former students remember just as much as the science is who she was in the room. "You were not just her student; you were her family." "A pillar of our discipline, combining exceptional skill with a deep and authentic compassion." "My role model, my mentor, and my dear friend."
She was also, for the record, a talented poet. Because the same qualities that make a great scientist — curiosity, precision, a commitment to saying exactly the right thing — make a great writer too.
We are so honored to welcome Dr. Claire L. Poulson to the 2026 WIBA Hall of Fame. 🎉
Come hear her full story at .
Register: https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/wiba26/registration
