Graduate Student Spotlight - Prasika Bhattarai
April 13, 2026 | Heather LeBlanc
Prasika Bhattarai is a graduate student at the University of West Florida, working towards Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) licensure.
How did you first discover ABA, and what led you to pursue your education in behavior science?
I first discovered Applied Behavior Analysis through what felt like a simple job search. I came across a position offering the 40-hour RBT training and certification at no cost, and something about it immediately stood out to me. It would be my first opportunity to work one-on-one with individuals who needed meaningful behavioral support, and I felt drawn to it before I even fully understood why.
During the training, I learned that ABA is the most evidence-based treatment for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But beyond the science, I discovered something even more powerful: the ability to truly listen, to understand behavior as communication, and to be a source of support during some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life.
There are already many doctors, nurses, and engineers in the world doing incredible work. But what this world will always need more of are compassionate professionals who lead with empathy, patience, and kindness. I realized that through behavior science, I could combine evidence-based practice with genuine human connection. That realization inspired me to pursue both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in ABA.
For me, this field is more than a career. It is a calling to serve, to empower, and to make a meaningful difference one individual at a time. By shaping and supporting many individuals, we create ripple effects that strengthen families, transform communities, and ultimately impact the world.
Why did you choose the ABA program at the University of West Florida?
I chose the ABA program at the University of West Florida because of its exceptional flexibility and strong emphasis on real-world application. As a working practitioner accruing supervision hours in preparation for licensure, the fully online format allows me to maintain a healthy balance between my personal life, clinical responsibilities, and graduate studies without compromising the quality of my learning experience.
What truly sets UWF’s program apart is its ability to bridge coursework with immediate clinical application. The knowledge and evidence-based strategies I gain in class can be directly implemented with my diverse client population, strengthening both my competence and confidence as a future behavior analyst.
The program’s structure not only supports academic growth but also enhances practical skills, ensuring that students are well prepared to meet the demands of the field.
Overall, UWF’s ABA program provides the flexibility, rigor, and applied focus necessary for aspiring behavior analysts to thrive professionally while maintaining balance personally.
How has your education and experience as a graduate student up to this point been helpful to you in your journey?
Being a graduate student at the University of West Florida has transformed how I approach learning and practice. Unlike my previous academic experiences, the focus isn’t just on understanding concepts. The focus is on achieving mastery and fluency so those skills can be applied immediately in real-world settings like clinics, schools, homes, and the community.
The program emphasizes clear, concise, and systematic instruction, enabling me to translate what I learn directly into effective interventions during sessions with my clients. This constant connection between knowledge and application has accelerated my growth as a practitioner and strengthened my ability to deliver meaningful, evidence-based support.
What is your biggest takeaway from the program and your experience working toward certification?
My biggest takeaway from the program and my journey toward certification is the critical role of ethics and competence in shaping not just effective clinicians, but future leaders in the field. The coursework has consistently emphasized that behavior analysis is not just about implementing interventions. It is about doing so responsibly, with clinical integrity, and in the best interest of the client.
Through this training, I’ve developed a strong foundation in ethical decision- making, data-based practice, and accountability. Just as importantly, I’ve learned what it means to be a competent supervisor: someone who models best practices, provides clear and supportive guidance, and upholds the highest standards of care.
This holistic experience has prepared me not only to serve my clients effectively but also to mentor and inspire the next generation of ABA practitioners. I hope to lead by example, ensuring that those I supervise feel confident, supported, and committed to delivering ethical and high-quality care.
What is your favorite aspect of ABA?
My favorite aspect of ABA is how it can be actively applied in everyday life with anyone, not just in clinical settings. Core principles such as positive reinforcement (adding a stimulus to increase a behavior), extinction (withholding reinforcement for undesired behaviors), and stimulus control (behavior is influenced by environmental cues), are constantly at play in daily routines.
Additionally, concepts like shaping (reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior) and reinforcement schedules help build and maintain consistent habits over time.
I use these principles in my own life to maximize my quality of life. For example, I apply positive reinforcement to maintain consistency with weightlifting and eating balanced meals, and I use stimulus control by structuring my environment to support these habits. I also engage in self-management strategies, such as goal setting and self-monitoring, to maintain self-care routines. This highlights how ABA is not only effective for behavior change but also practical and empowering in everyday life.
Overall, I am a strong believer in setting up my environment for success by incorporating stimuli that promote healthy habits while minimizing those that encourage avoidance or unhealthy behaviors, and by decreasing response effort by keeping necessary items readily accessible.
Do you have any particular plans or aspirations after graduation?
After receiving my Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) licensure, I plan to implement assent and play-based therapy approaches to help clients build independence while establishing trust. I strongly believe that collaboration and rapport between practitioners, caregivers, teachers, and clients are essential to the success of behavior-analytic interventions.
Once I have developed competency working with diverse clients across developmental conditions, I plan to transition into organizational behavior management, focusing on optimizing and sustaining employee performance.
Ultimately, my goal is to lead a clinic as a Clinical Director, empowering and mentoring staff, fostering a positive organizational culture, and ensuring the highest quality of client care.
My research focuses on mitigating healthcare disparities by delivering ABA services to marginalized communities. I aim to expand access to evidence-based interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD, particularly in rural areas and countries where these services are not currently available, helping to spread knowledge and improve outcomes globally.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi
What advice would you give someone aspiring to follow a career in behavior analysis?
ABA is a field where practitioners work with highly vulnerable populations, including children and adults with developmental and behavioral challenges. Success in this field requires approaching every individual with compassion, patience, and thoughtful communication, while maintaining careful attention to data and progress. If you value these qualities and have strong organizational skills, ABA could be an excellent fit.
Every day, you will have the opportunity to interact with lively individuals who need your help communicating their needs and wants effectively.
As an ABA practitioner, you are responsible for implementing evidence-based interventions, collecting and analyzing behavioral data, collaborating with families and interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring that all services are delivered ethically and effectively. If this aligns with your interests, I would be thrilled to connect and answer any questions you have about pursuing a career in behavior analysis!
Every day brings an exciting opportunity to connect with vibrant individuals and help them express their needs and desires in meaningful, functional ways!
