Rate My Professor Gretchen Dittrich

Dr. Gretchen Dittrich is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavior Analysis at Simmons University, where she also directs the Master's Program in Behavior Analysis, encompassing both MS and EdS degree programs. She earned her PhD in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University, MS in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University, and dual BA degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Nevada, Reno. A Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (LABA) in Massachusetts and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D), Dittrich has applied the science of behavior to assist individuals, caregivers, families, and school systems since 1998. In addition to her academic roles, she serves as Chair of the Behavioral Medicine Special Interest Group within the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Dittrich's research specializations include behavioral medicine and health promotion, with a focus on the prevention and amelioration of obesity and physical inactivity; functional analysis of complex behaviors; social skills training; application of behavior analytic methodologies to higher education; supervision; interprofessional collaboration; and verbal behavior. Her areas of expertise encompass behavioral medicine, health promotion, instructional design, evidence-based and competency-based instruction, functional analysis of complex behavior, supervision, interprofessional practice and collaboration, and verbal behavior. Key publications co-authored by Dittrich feature 'Changes in physical activity associated with a multi-component weight loss randomized controlled trial for youth with intellectual disabilities' (Fleming et al., 2023, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly); 'Effects of a behavioral coaching treatment package on physical activity and adherence' (Mias, Dittrich, & Miltenberger, 2022, Behavior Analysis Research and Practice); 'Lifestyle intervention adaptations to promote healthy eating and physical activity of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities' (Curtin et al., 2021, chapter in Prevention Science and Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities); and 'A family-based weight loss randomized controlled trial for youth with intellectual disabilities' (Bandini et al., 2021, Pediatric Obesity). Through her leadership and scholarship, Dittrich contributes to advancing behavior analysis in health and education contexts.