Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan – 2025 Annual Report

By James T. Todd

We are pleased to report that our annual conference, now featuring both real-time online and recorded sessions, was a resounding success with over 500 registrants. Behavior analysis in Michigan continues to contribute positively to the state through diverse training programs in both basic and applied behavior analysis, as well as through our members’ commitment to delivering effective, ethical, and science-based treatments for conditions such as autism, traumatic brain injury, addiction, and more. In addition, Organizational behavior management (OBM) and other non-clinical areas continue to expand their presence and offerings.

The Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan (BAAM) annual convention, held February 20–21, 2025, at the Student Center on the campus of Eastern Michigan University (EMU), was particularly successful. With 502 registrants—422 in person and 60 online—the attendance was well aligned with the venue capacity. The participants represented more than two dozen universities and colleges from over eight states and Ontario. Following the recent retirement of the annual Michigan Autism Conference, which served the western side of the state, we anticipate even higher attendance and an expanded program in 2026.

BAAM streamlined both the number and format of sessions to better suit the venue. To increase accessibility, we introduced real-time online streaming and recorded availability for most sessions via BehaviorLive. Sessions were held in the largest available rooms, ensuring that attendees could participate in the sessions of their choice. We extend special thanks to the students at Western Michigan University for their impressive poster presentations and enthusiastic participation in the poster session.

Many local and regional agencies sent staff and administrators, reflecting the expansion of behavior analysis opportunities statewide. The increased involvement of faculty and students from Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Oakland University, and the University of Toledo was especially encouraging. We were also pleased to offer dedicated sessions and poster presentations for our colleagues in clinical and applied intervention fields. BAAM gratefully acknowledges the contributions of all who engage in rigorous, science-based, empirical investigations of behavior.

All regular sessions were scheduled in meeting rooms overlooking EMU’s Lake House area. BAAM extends special thanks to the staff of the EMU Event Planning Office—especially Meg Castro—the Catering Department, and the Student Center team for their invaluable support. The backing of the Eastern Michigan University Psychology Department, our primary sponsor, was essential to our success. Special thanks are also due to the BAAM staff and volunteers, managed by Eastern Michigan University Clinician-Behavioral and PhD Clinical program students Corin Magee, Silvia Verhofste, and Darian Grear. We also appreciate Caitlyn Sorensen-Kowalski’s ongoing management of CEU accreditation and related matters.

BAAM once again featured two keynote addresses, both presented as special events. On Thursday, we reprised the classic “Mock Trial of B.F. Skinner,” originally authored by Matthew Andrzejewski of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, with participation from some of the cast members from the original presentations of the Mock Trial at ABA and American Psychological Association Contentions nearly 30 years ago. This presentation analyzed and defended the philosophical and conceptual foundations of behavior analysis—particularly B.F. Skinner’s views—using a mock judicial trial format. The prosecution incorporated direct quotes from prominent critics such as Noam Chomsky, Daniel Dennett, and Alfie Kohn, while the defense presented quotes from leading behavior analysts including A. Charles Catania, Phillip Hineline, Ed Morris and James Todd, and Sigrid Glenn. On Friday, keynote speaker R. Wayne Fuqua—recently retired after 48 years at Western Michigan University—delivered a special invited address on Ethics for Practicing Behavior Analysts: Challenges and Practical Solutions. Wayne was honored with a commemorative plaque from BAAM in recognition of his extensive contributions to behavior analysis in Michigan, including his role in Autism Insurance Reform and co-authoring the Michigan Behavior Analysis licensing bill.

We also had a special invited address, “Towards Real-World Implementation of Digital Contingency Management for Substance Use Disorders,” by Anne Fernandez of the University of Michigan. BAAM has been emphasizing contingency management in recent years, and based on hearing of this work on NPR, we invited Dr. Fernandez to present the work of her group at UM.

Additional convention sessions, too numerous to list here, are available for viewing via BehaviorLive online offerings and, soon, the BAAM website. For more information, please visit the BAAM website at www.baam.org.