Learn more about Stephanie Shire, PhD, Associate Professor in Special Education, through our Faculty Spotlight series.
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Primary research interest: Development and testing of interventions in partnership with community members to support young children with autism and their families
Hobbies: Running, Hiking
Say “Hello”! https://shirelab.squarespace.com
What brought you to the University of Oregon?
I came to UO for a position as an Assistant Professor in the Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education in Special Education and Clinical Sciences. I was excited to move to the PNW. I spent a lot of time with family in British Columbia growing up, so it was fun to be coming to a place that had a similar feel.
What is the focus of your current research?
One current project is focused on supporting preschool age children in Lane County with autism who have limited language. It is an adaptive intervention where we are personalizing each child’s path depending on their response to one of two initial intervention options. The goal is to help children use nonverbal skills as well as spoken or augmented words to communicate their ideas, feelings, and needs. I am also working on developing and testing an online adaptation of a caregiver mediated social communication intervention with community partners in Southern Oregon and Lane County. Caregivers learn the intervention strategies so that they can support the child’s development through daily interactions with support from local practitioners. The goal of this work is to support greater health equity by making this evidence-based intervention more accessible, particularly to families in rural and remote communities, by developing an online version and offering multiple ways for caregivers to connect with early intervention practitioners in their communities.
How do you hope your work makes an impact? Why do you think it’s important?
Health equity. Big dream—I want the average kid, regardless of where they live, to have access to high quality early intervention services that are accessible, personalized, scientifically informed, and responsive to the strengths and needs of the child and their family.
What message would you like to share with students considering coming to the College of Education?
Go outside! Even if it’s raining—it’s a beautiful place J Come hang out with my team, I’m always looking for students who would like to get involved in our projects and support some amazing kids and their families.
What do you love about living in Eugene?
I moved from Los Angeles to Eugene. I STILL love that I can get anywhere in 20 minutes—now that seems like a long drive!