Meet the team

As an associate research professor at the University of Kansas, Dr. Buzhardt’s interests focus on investigating factors that impact the implementation, usability and effectiveness of technology-based intervention, assessment, and training. He has directed and co-directed several federally-funded research projects from NIH, IES, OSEP, NIDRR, and local foundations, including the following: He is co-developer and investigator of the OASIS (Online and Applied System for Intervention Skills) Training to train parents how to implement evidence-based practices with their young children with autism.

Dr. Zhang is an Assistant Professor with the department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She graduated with her doctoral degree in behavioral psychology. Her research interests focus on increasing access to families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other related disorders via technology. She provides clinical services including OASIS Parent Training and behavioral consultation through both in-person and telehealth clinics. Dr. Zhang is passionate about advocating for healthcare access and disability rights.

 Vanessa Snyder is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Hawai’i Pacific University. Since 2008, Vanessa has provided in-home, center-based, and school-based support to providers and parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 2016, Vanessa joined the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training at the University of Kansas Medical Center where she operates as the OASIS Project Manager, and provides clinical services to families of children with ASD and other related disorders.

Hanna received her undergraduate degree in Biological Health with a minor in Psychology from University of Oklahoma, and her Masters of Education in Public Health Education from Texas State University. Hanna has experience working in statewide youth tobacco prevention, juvenile delinquency prevention, and youth substance use prevention. In 2021, she joined KCART where she is a Research Assistant for the OASIS program.

Kelly received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Kansas, and her Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University. Kelly taught K-12 science for 11 years and was involved in pre-service STEM teacher preparation before joining the K-CART team in 2023. Kelly is currently a Research Assistant for the OASIS program.

Lydia received her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Augusta State University, and her Masters in Exceptional Student Education with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida. Lydia has experience working as a Special Education teacher for children with moderate to severe disabilities. She joined K-CART as an Autism Training Program Assistant in the summer of 2022.

Emily Baumann is a Doctorate of Audiology student at KU Medical Center, and is a work study student for the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training who currently assists with the OASIS training programs. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing sciences in 2021. Emily is interested in pediatric audiology and working with children with autism.

Shelby Cooper is a Doctorate of Audiology student at KU Medical Center and is a work study student for the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training. She currently assists with the OASIS training programs. She graduated from the University of Iowa with her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a minor in American Sign Language in 2022. Shelby is interested in vestibular audiology.