MMI Monthly

Updates from the Munroe-Meyer Institute | February 2026

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MMI Voices: LEND shaped my career. Now I'll help build on its legacy of preparing leaders


An intentional transition period before taking over leadership of MMI's LEND program has given Jennifer Burt, PhD, a former LEND trainee, space to reconnect with the program's mission and deepen relationships with faculty and partners.



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MMI study examines therapists' physiological experiences


A recent study conducted by team of researchers at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute set out to learn what therapists experience at a physiological level in clinical situations they encounter on the job. 


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Forward momentum showcased in MMI's 2025 annual report


The report highlights recent efforts, such as launching primary care for patients across the lifespan, developing a program for standardized crisis response, introducing a new wave of leadership and readying clients for driving.


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Walk and Roll slated for March 1


Funds raised during the Walk and Roll for Disabilities go toward recreational programming at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, including cooking club, yoga club and a Thursday night program aimed at adults.


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Research publications

 

The following studies were published by MMI researchers in the last month:

 

Pyramid Model coaching characteristics and TPOT/TPITOS observation scores: An exploratory analysis

Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education

Nishank Varshney, PhD - Department of Education and Child Development


Using wearable technology to evaluate the electrodermal activity of therapists assessing challenging behavior

Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis

Emily Sullivan, PhD - integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (iCASD)

Tara Fahmie, PhD -- Department of Severe Behavior

Jamie Gehringer, PhD -- Department of Physical Therapy


Establishing Functional Communication Responses and Mands: A Scoping Review of Teaching Procedures and Implications for Future Investigation

Behavioral Sciences

Kyle Dawson - Department of Severe Behavior

Amanda Zangrillo, PsyD -- Department of Severe Behavior

Samantha Bryan -- Department of Severe Behavior

Rebecca Barall - integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (iCASD)

Colin Wehr -- Department of Severe Behavior


Bringing autism diagnosis closer to home: The role of eye-tracking biomarkers in early detection

Contemporary Pediatrics

Patricia Zemantic, PhD - integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (iCASD)

Link of the month


KETV: 'Family, friends, and co-workers': Arby's veteran worker celerbates mileston with his inspiration


People: 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood' adds a new character: Meet Max, Teacher Harriet's nephew with autism

Contact us


To learn more about initiatives featured in this publication, contact Community Engagement at MMICommunityEngage@unmc.edu or 402-559-9828.

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Phone: 402-559-6418
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