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COMPREHENSIVE PROFESSIONAL VITAE

Ashleigh J. Hillier, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology University of Massachusetts Lowell

A. EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS 1. Education 2001-2004 Post-doctorate

Department of Neurology The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH

2000 Ph.D.

Psychology University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England Thesis: The relationship between understanding complex emotions and theory of mind among children and adolescents with autism.

1999 Teaching in Higher Education Postgraduate Certificate.

The Open University, England 1995 BSc. (Hons)

Psychology University of Lincolnshire & Humberside, Hull, England

2. Academic Experience 2012-to-date Associate Professor

Department of Psychology University of Massachusetts Lowell

2006-to 2012 Assistant Professor

Department of Psychology University of Massachusetts Lowell

2004-2006 Research Scientist (full-time)

Department of Neurology The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH This was a full-time research position involving work on multiple projects, both independent and collaborative. During this time I was also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University.

2000-2001 Visiting Assistant Professor (full-time teaching position)

Department of Psychology Ohio University, Athens, OH

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1999-2000 Instructor / Part-time Visiting Lecturer of Psychology Department of Psychology Westminster University, London, England 1996-1999 Instructor / Part-time Visiting Lecturer of Psychology Department of Psychology Lincoln University, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England B. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES 1. Professional Association Participation Membership in Professional Associations

• American Psychological Association (June 2007 to date) • Society for Neuroscience (June 2002 to date) • Cognitive Neuroscience Society (December 2002 to date) • International Meeting for Autism Research (March 2004 to date) • Autism Society of America (June 2002 to date) • British Psychological Society (January 1997 to May 2000)

2. Professional Honors and Awards

• UMass Lowell Department of Psychology Teaching Excellence Award 2010 • The Ohio State University International Scholar Award 2003

3. Additional Qualifications

• Validated administrator of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Awarded qualification in 2003.

4. Other Professional Activities

• Reviewer for Professional Journals

o Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders o Autism: International Journal of Research and Practice o Imagination, Cognition and Personality o Neurocase

• Reviewer for Grant for UK Medical Research Council

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Peer-reviewed conference presentations at national and international conferences: 2012 Rollins, P., McCabe, A., Hillier, A., Paul, R., Norbury, C., Goldman, S., Einstein,

A., Losh, M., & Hewitt, L. Narratives in high-functioning ASD: Significance and best practices. Symposium presentation at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Atlanta, GA.

2012 Kopec, J., Hillier, A., Frye, A. Emotional response to music among those with

autism spectrum disorders. Poster presentation at the Society for Neuroscience, New Orleans, LA.

2012 McCabe, A., Hillier, A., Shapiro, C. Too Much, Too Little, Too Late:

Structure of Personal Narratives of Emerging Adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Poster presented at the 11th International Meeting for Autism Research, Toronto, ON.

2011 Murphy, D., Hilllier, A., Ferrara, C, Collins, S., Baltisberger, N., Lopes, A., & McCabe, R. Effects of exercise on heart rate variability, cortisol, and stress on young adults with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Poster at the 16th International World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

2010 Hillier, A., Murphy, D., & Ferrara, C. Physical Exercise Reduces Stress and

Anxiety Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum. Poster at the Autism 2010 Conference, Toronto, ON.

2010 Greher, G., & Hillier, A. SoundScape: An interdisciplinary music technology

intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Technology in Music Instruction, Minneapolis, MN.

2009 Hillier, A., & Murphy D. Reduction in salivary cortisol following physical exercise

and relaxation among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 8th International Meeting for Autism Research, Chicago, IL.

2009 Greher, G., Hillier, A., Poto, N., Dougherty, M. SoundScapes: An

interdisciplinary music intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Paper presented at the 90th American Educational Research Association Conference, San Diego, CA.

2009 Beversdorf, D.Q., Carpenter, A., Birmingham, D.J., Tilley, M., Alexander, J.K.,

Hillier, A. Serotonin transporter protein genotype determines the effect of psychosocial stress on cognitive performance. Poster presented at the 37th annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, Atlanta, GA.

2008 Chowdhury, M., Benson, B.A., & Hillier, A. Communication and Behavioral

Outcomes of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Boston, MA.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q, Birmingham, D.J., Arasu, V., Alexander, J.K., Campbell, H.L.,

White, C.A., Hillier, A., & Bauman, M. Prenatal stress and maternal serotonin

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transporter protein polymorphisms in autism. Poster session presented at the 6th International Meeting for Autism Research, Seattle, WA.

2007 Hillier, A., Fish, T., & Cloppert, P. Outcomes of a social and vocational skills

support group for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 6th International Meeting for Autism Research, Seattle, WA.

2007 Chowdhury, M., Benson, B.A., & Hillier, A. Changes in restricted repetitive

behaviors over time in high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 6th International Meeting for Autism Research, Seattle, WA.

2007 Chowdhury, M., Benson, B.A., & Hillier, A. Course of behavioral change in high-

functioning adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q, Birmingham, D.J., Arasu, V., Alexander, J.K., Campbell, H.L.,

White, C.A., Hillier, A., & Bauman, M. Prenatal stress and maternal serotonin transporter protein polymorphisms in autism. Paper presentation presented at 59th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Boston, MA.

2007 Narayanan, A., White, C.A., Kim, N., Tivarus, M.E., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P.,

Kataki, M., Scharre, D., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Effect of donepezil on left inferior frontal lobe activation during verbal fluency in MCI. Poster presented at 59th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Boston, MA.

2006 Beversdorf, D.Q., Carpenter, A., Miller, R., Cios, J., & Hillier, A. Effect of

propranolol on cognitive flexibility in individuals with ASD. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, San Francisco, CA.

2006 Hillier, A., Carpenter, A., Smith, R.M., Berntson, G.G., & Beversdorf, D.Q.

Physiological responsiveness to affective stimuli among those on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 5th International Meeting for Autism Research, Montreal, Canada.

2005 Alexander, J.K., Hillier, A., Smith, R.M., Tivarus, M.E., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Beta-

adrenergic blockade reverses stress-induced cognitive impairment. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

2005 Beversdorf, D.Q., Friedman, N.F., Sharma, U.K., Phillips, N.N., & Hillier, A. The

effect of propranolol on naming in Broca’s aphasia. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.

2005 Campbell, H.L., Tivarus, M.E., Alexander, J.K., Hillier, A., et al. Effect of task

difficulty on noradrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, New York, NY.

2005 Hillier, A., Alexander, J.K., Smith, R.M., Tivarus, M., et al. The effect of stress on

cognitive flexibility among those on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at the 4th International Meeting for Autism Research, Boston, MA.

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2005 Hillier, A., Campbell, H., Phillips, N., Keillor, J., et al. Autism spectrum and susceptibility to the visual false memory effect. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, St. Louis, MO.

2005 Tivarus, M., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P., Marcetich, A., et al. Functional

connectivity in an fMRI study of semantic and phonological processes. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Washington DC.

2004 Chu, J.S, Miller, R.F., Hillier, A., Tivarus, M.E., et al. Noradrenergic modulation

of semantic priming. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.

2004 Hillier, A., Chu, J.S., Miller, R.F., Kitzmiller, J., et al. Pharmacological modulation

of emotion memory in autism spectrum disorders. Poster presented at the 3rd International Meeting for Autism Research, Sacramento, CA.

2004 Tivarus, M., Ibinson, J., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P., et al. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of semantic priming. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, San Francisco, CA. 2003 Beversdorf, D.Q., Hillier, A., Brooker, R., & Hughes, J. A neural network model

of decreased context utilization in autism spectrum disorder. Poster presented at the 1st International Meeting for Autism Research, Orlando, FL.

2003 Hillier, A., Alexander, J.K., & Beversdorf, D.Q. The effect of auditory stressors

on cognitive performance. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

2003 Ishizuka, K., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Effect of the cold pressor test on

memory and cognitive flexibility. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, New York, NY.

2003 Phillips, N., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. False memory for visually presented

shapes and symbols. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Orlando, FL.

2002 Bailey, J., Lassiter, D.G., & Hillier, A. Evidence that autistic individuals are less

likely to show a correspondence bias. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Society Meeting, New Orleans, LA.

1997 Allinson, L.J., & Hillier, A. Enhancing the social and cognitive skills of autistic

children. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the British Psychological Society, London, UK.

Conference presentations at local conferences: 2012 Kopec, J., Hillier, A., & Frye, A. (2012). Music preferences among adolescents

and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell’s Student Research Symposium, Lowell, MA.

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2011 McCabe, A., Hillier, A., Shapiro, C. (2011). Too Much, Too Little, Too Late:

Structure of Personal Narratives of Emerging Adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Conference, Lowell, MA.

2010 Hillier, A., Galizzi, M. (2010). Vocational outcomes for young adults with autism

spectrum disorders. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Conference, Lowell, MA.

2010 Hillier, A., Murphy, D., & Ferrara, C. (2010). Measuring stress through salivary

cortisol following physical exercise and relaxation among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Conference. Lowell, MA.

2008 Hillier, A. Success in the Workplace: Practical Suggestions for Employees and

Employers. Presentation at the Asperger’s Association of New England Annual Conference, Marlborough, MA.

2008 Hillier, A., & Greher, G. SoundScape: Evaluation of an interdisciplinary music

intervention program for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Inauguration Conference, Lowell, MA.

2008 Murphy, D., & Hillier, A. Fit and Fun: An exercise and relaxation program for

young adults on the autism spectrum. Poster presented at UMass Lowell Faculty Research Inauguration Conference, Lowell, MA.

2005 Hillier, A. Facilitating peer interaction in school-age children. Paper presented at

the Columbus Children’s Hospital Annual Autism Conference, Columbus, OH.

2005 Hillier, A. Social and vocational skills support for young adults on the autism spectrum. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, Columbus, OH.

2004 Hillier, A., Mastriani, K., Alexander, J., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Vocational support

program for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Paper presented at the annual meeting of The Ohio State University Multiple Perspectives on Disability conference, Columbus, OH.

2003 Hillier, A., Mastriani, K., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Vocational support for young adults

on the autism spectrum. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Autism Society of Ohio, Columbus, OH.

2003 Hillier, A., Fish, T., Schauer, C., Mastriani, K., et al. A model social / vocational

group program for young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, Columbus, OH.

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C. RESEARCH 1. Grants and Contracts since starting position at the University of Massachusetts Lowell 2007–to date Title: Specialization in Developmental Disabilities. Agency: Department of Developmental Services Type: State funding

Principal Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Co-PIs: Charlotte Mandell, Ph.D.; Richard Siegel, Ph.D. Amount: $14, 700 annually since 2007 I am the coordinator of the UMass Lowell Department of Psychology Specialization in Developmental Disabilities, and the Program Director for the Interdisciplinary Minor in Disability Studies. As PI I ensure the continuation, expansion, and success of these programs.

2010-2011 Title: Interdisciplinary Course Incorporating Classroom Technology to Enhance

Student Understanding of Assistive Technology and Disability. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal

Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; Deirdra Murphy, DPT, MS, MHA Amount: $1,500 This project involves interdisciplinary collaboration to develop a new undergraduate course at UML, The Sociological Aspects of Assistive Technology for Persons with Disability. The development of the new course incorporates the latest technological advances designed to enhance student learning and engagement and increase courses available in the Disability Minor.

2009-2010 Title: Fit and Fun: A Physical Activity and Relaxation Program for Community

Dwelling Underserved Youth on the Autism Spectrum. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal Joseph P. Healey Endowment Grant Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; Deirdra Murphy, DPT, MS, MHA Amount: $5,000

This grant provided an interdisciplinary physical activity and relaxation program for youth on the autism spectrum called “Fit and Fun”. The project empirically evaluated the program using qualitative and quantitative methods including measures of salivary cortisol (a stress hormone), changes in fitness levels, self-report measures, and focus groups. As co-PI I collaborated on study design, recruitment, program implementation, data analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation.

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2008-2009 Title: Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Music Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum.

Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal Joseph P. Healey Endowment Grant

Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; Gena Greher, Ed.D. Amount: $4,250 This research project was an empirical evaluation of an interdisciplinary, university based music program for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This project provided a sustainable program which addressed the needs of members of our community for whom few other services were available. In addition, students in the Music Education program and Psychology graduate and undergraduate programs had the unique opportunity to design, implement, and evaluate the Music intervention. My role was to design the program evaluation, collect, analyze, and write up the data, and recruitment for the program.

2007-2008 Title: Aspirations: A Social and Vocational Support Group Program for

Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Agency: Theodore Edson Parker Foundation Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.

Amount: $25,000 As PI I oversaw all aspects of the “Aspirations” social and vocational skills support group program for young adults on the autism spectrum. This included recruitment, curriculum design and modification, service provision, supervising undergraduate and graduate students involved in the program, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

2007-2008 Title: Physiological Markers of Stress and their Relationship to Health and Disability.

Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal: School of Health & Environment Seed Grant Principal Investigator: Cynthia Ferrara, Ph.D. Co-PIs: Sean Collins, Sc.D., Ivy Ho, Ph.D., Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D Amount: $500 My role was to collaborate on study design, data collection, and manuscript preparation.

2007-2008 Title: Interdisciplinary Community Based Fitness Program Integrated in an

Exercise Physiology Capstone Course. Agency: University of Massachusetts Lowell Type: Internal: Teaching and Learning Grant Principal Investigators: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D.; Deirdra Murphy, DPT, MS, MHA Amount: $2,312 This project provided a fitness program for high functioning adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. In addition, students enrolled in an Exercise Physiology course had the opportunity to directly apply course content through design, implementation, and evaluation of the program. As co-PI I collaborated on study design, recruitment, program implementation, data analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation.

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2005-2006 Title: Pharmacological Modulation of Functional Connectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Agency: National Association for Autism Research Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Collaborator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $113,740 My role was recruitment, conducting neuropsychological evaluations, advising on methodological design, and fMRI data collection.

2005-2006 Title: A Web-based Employment Training Program for Individuals with Autism

Spectrum Disorders. Agency: The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Co-Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $4,745 My role was to develop the goals, aims and evaluation methods for this on-line employment training program. I also supported the content development of the site, and provided advice and information to our web designer to optimize information presentation for those on the autism spectrum.

2005-2006 Title: Vocational Support Project for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Agency: Ingram-White Castle Foundation Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Co-Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $46,000 My role was to supervise the program coordinator in expanding the program, advise on all client cases, data collection and analysis, dissemination of the program model through presentations and manuscript publication, and grant preparation and acquisition.

2002-2004 Title: Vocational Support Project for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Agency: Ingram-White Castle Foundation Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Co-Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $30,000 This grant enabled us to hire a program coordinator for this project and my role was to supervise this person, advise on all client cases, collect and analyze the data, disseminate the program model, and grant preparation and acquisition. As an off-shoot of this program I developed and implemented a highly successful social and vocational skills support group “Aspirations” for young adults on the autism spectrum.

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2002-2003 Title: Vocational Rehabilitation for High-functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Agency: Henry E Coyle Fund of The Columbus Foundation Type: Private Foundation Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Co-Investigator: Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D. Amount: $31,000 For this project I designed the program model, and established and oversaw the resulting vocational support program for adults with ASD. This included design and provision of all program services (e.g. job preparation, job placement, job counseling etc.), recruitment and evaluation of clients, design of program evaluation measures, data collection and analysis, dissemination of the program model, and grant preparation and acquisition.

2002-2003 Title: Synthetic Human Secretin in Children with Autism.

Agency: Repligen Corporation Type: Pharmaceutical sponsored clinical trial Local Principal Investigator: David Beversdorf, M.D. Psychologist: Ashleigh Hillier, PhD. Amount: Total funds depended on enrollment This was an NIH phase III multi-center, double blind, placebo controlled study to determine the efficacy of Secretin for children with autism. My role was to conduct pre- and post-evaluations of each child’s behavioral symptomatology using a range of diagnostic and psychological tools assessing communication, behavioral, and social development.

2. Academic & Professional Publications Peer-Reviewed Publications 2012 McCabe, A., Hillier, A., Shapiro, C. Structure of personal narratives of adults with

autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. My role in this work has been to collect the data and collaborate on manuscript preparation.

2012 Hillier, A., Greher, G., Poto, N., & Dougherty, M. Positive outcomes following

participation in a music intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Psychology of Music, 40, 201-215. This paper summarizes the findings from our SoundScape music program. My role for this paper was to design the program evaluation, collect, analyze and write up the data. The implementation of the program is a collaboration with Dr. Greher in UML’s Department of Music. Two graduate students also contributed significantly to the program implementation. Psychology of Music is a highly regarded and competitive journal in the field ranked 22 out of 50 in Psychology, Educational. It has an impact factor of 1.182 (an “impact factor” reflects the average number of citations an article has in that particular journal, thereby providing a rough indication of the importance of a particular journal to the field).

2011 Hillier, A., Murphy, D., Ferrara, C. A Pilot Study: Short-term reduction in salivary

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cortisol following low level physical exercise and relaxation among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Stress and Health, 27, 395-402. This paper reports on a portion of the data from our Fit and Fun program. My role was study recruitment, collaborating with the study design and program implementation, analyzing the data, and writing up the findings. Stress and Health is an important journal in the field, ranked 63/73 in Psychology, and 100/126 in Psychiatry (ISI Journal Citation Reports).

2011 Hillier, A., Fish, T., Siegel, J.H., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Social and vocational skills

training reduces self-reported anxiety and depression among young adults on the autism spectrum. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 23, 267-276. This paper reports on the findings from my Aspirations program and combines these with findings from the Aspirations program based at The Ohio State University. My role was to collaborate on the design of the program, to establish and oversee the program, to design the empirical evaluation of the program, analyze and write up the data. JDPD has an impact factor of 1.024.

2010 Kim, N., Tivarus, M., Goel, P.K., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Independent

component analysis of the effect of L-dopa on fMRI of language processing. PlosOne, 5(8), 1-10. This fMRI study investigates semantic and phonological language tasks under two drug conditions – placebo and L-Dopa. The findings shed light on the role of L-Dopa on such tasks. My role was in the design of the study and collection of the brain imaging data.

2010 Greher, G., & Hillier, A., Dougherty, M., & Poto, N. SoundScape: An

interdisciplinary music intervention for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. International Journal of Education and the Arts, 11(9), 1-27. This paper focuses on the SoundScape program and a portion of the evaluation data. The paper also discusses implications for undergraduate and graduate students who were involved in the project. My role was in the design of the program evaluation, data collection and analysis. This journal has only a 26% acceptance rate and is a leading journal in the field of education within the arts.

2010 Chowdhury, M., Benson, B.A., & Hillier, A. Changes in restricted repetitive

behaviors with age in high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 210-216. This paper reports on changes in restricted repetitive behaviors over time among those on the autism spectrum. The findings showed significant improvements in RRBs as participants grew older, an area which had received little previous empirical attention. My role was to collect the data for the study (conducting all of the Autism Diagnostic Interviews) and collaborate on manuscript preparation. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders has an impact factor of 2.267.

2009 Cios, J., Miller, R., Hillier, A., Tivarus, M., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Lack of

noradrenergic modulation of indirect semantic priming. Behavioural Neurology, 21, 137-143. This paper reports on a study of pharmacological modulation of semantic priming. The results show that automatic processes such as priming and more controlled searches of the semantic network may be mediated by distinct mechanisms. My role was to collaborate on study design, data collection and manuscript preparation.

2008 Beversdorf, D.Q., Carpenter, A., Miller, R., Cios, J., & Hillier, A. Effect of

propranolol on verbal problem solving in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Neurocase, 14, 378-383.

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The author format for the journal Neurocase is to list the lead author as the last author as is frequently found in other fields (e.g. Biology). In this study I examined the effect of propranolol on solving anagrams among those with ASD and a matched control group. I found that those with ASD benefited from propranolol whereas the control group was impaired. These findings may be relevant regarding treatment for those with ASD. Neurocase has an impact factor of 1.069.

2008 Campbell, H.L., Tivarus, M.E., Hillier. A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Increased task

difficulty results in greater impact of noradrenergic modulation of cognitive flexibility. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 88, 222-229. This study examined the impact of modulating the noradrenergic system on cognitive task performance. My role was to collaborate on study design, data collection and interpretation, and manuscript preparation. This journal has an impact factor of 2.967.

2008 Tivarus, M., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Functional

connectivity in an fMRI study of semantic and phonological processes. Brain and Language, 104, 42-50. This study utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine functional connectivity between regions of the brain associated with semantic and phonological processing and the effects of L-Dopa administration. We found that language areas are activated in a more synchronous manner for phonological than for semantic tasks. My role was to collaborate on study design, data collection and interpretation and manuscript preparation. Brain and Language has an impact factor of 2.973.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q., Sharma, U.K., Phillips, N.N., Notestine, M.A., Slivka, M.A.,

Friedman, N.M., Schneider, S.L., Hillier, A.. Effect of propranolol on naming in chronic expressive aphasia. Neurocase, 13, 256-259. The author format for the journal Neurocase is to list the lead author as the last author as is frequently found in other fields (e.g. Biology). In this study I found that propranolol significantly improved performance in a naming task among those with Broca’s aphasia.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q., Ferguson, J.L.W., Hillier, A., Sharma, U.K., et al. Problem

solving ability in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 20, 44-47. This study examined how useful a visuospatial problem solving task was for detecting nonmemory impairments in mild cognitive impairment than other tasks. This work will help determine which patients with MCI are at risk for progression to dementia. My role was data collection and manuscript preparation. CBN is ranked 46/49 in Behavioral Sciences.

2007 Hillier, A., Beversdorf, D.Q., Raymer, A.M., Williamson, D.J.G., & Heilman, K.M.

Abnormal Emotional Word Ratings in Parkinson’s Disease. Neurocase, 13, 81-85. The author format for the journal Neurocase is to list the lead author as the last author as is frequently found in other fields (e.g. Biology). This study found that those with Parkinson’s Disease were blunted in their ratings of emotional words (excited-calm) but not control expense words (expensive-cheap). I was responsible for writing the manuscript for this study.

2007 Hillier, A., Campbell, H., Mastriani, K., Izzo, M. V., et al. Two-year evaluation of

a vocational support program for adults on the autism spectrum. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 30, 35-47. This paper reports on my vocational support program for those with ASD. My role was to design and implement the program, evaluate the program, analyze the data and write the

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manuscript. This is a highly specialized journal focused on employment and careers within Disability.

2007 Hillier, A., Fish, T., & Cloppert, P. Outcomes of a social and vocational skills

support group for young adults on the autism spectrum. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 22, 107-115. This paper reports on some of the findings from my Aspirations program. My role was to collaborate on the design of the program model, to establish the program, to design the empirical evaluation of the program, implement the UMass Lowell program sessions, analyze and write up the data.

2007 Ishizuka, K., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q. Effect of the cold pressor test on

memory and cognitive flexibility. Neurocase, 13, 154-157. This study looked at the effect of stress on cognitive flexibility and memory using the cold pressor test. We found that the stressor impaired memory performance. My role was to collaborate on study design and manuscript preparation.

2007 Alexander, J.K., Hillier, A., Smith, R.M., Tivarus, M.E., et al. Noradrenergic

modulation of cognitive flexibility during stress. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 19, 468-478.

2007 Beversdorf, D.Q., Narayanan, A., Hillier, A., & Hughes, J.D. Network model of decreased context utilization in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 1040-1048. 2007 Hillier, A., Campbell, H., Keillor, J., Phillips, N., et al. Decreased false memory

for visually presented shapes and symbols among adults on the autism spectrum. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 29, 610-616.

2006 Choi, Y., Novak, J., Hillier, A., Votolato, N., et al. The effect of alpha-2

adrenergic agonists on memory and cognitive flexibility. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 19, 204-207.

2006 Hillier, A., Alexander, J.K., & Beversdorf, D.Q. The effect of auditory stressors

on cognitive flexibility. Neurocase, 12, 228-231. 2006 Smith, R.M., Tivarus, M.E., Campbell, H.L., Hillier, A., & Beversdorf, D.Q.

Transient effects of recent “ecstasy” use on cognitive performance and extrapyramidal signs in human subjects. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 19, 157-164.

2006 Tivarus, M.E., Ibinson, J.W., Hillier, A., Schmalbrock, P., et al. An fMRI study of

semantic priming: modulation of brain activity by varying semantic distances. Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, 19, 194-201.

2005 Beversdorf, D.Q., Manning, S.E., Hillier, A., Anderson, S.L., et al. Timing of

prenatal stressors and autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35, 471-478.

2002 Hillier, A., & Allinson, L.J. Understanding embarrassment among those with

autism: Breaking down the complex emotion of embarrassment among those with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32, 583-592.

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2002 Hillier, A., & Allinson, L.J. Beyond expectations: Autism, understanding

embarrassment, and the relationship with theory of mind. Autism, 6, 299-314. Manuscripts under Review Under review Ferrara, C., Collins, S., Ho, I., Hillier, A. Physiological markers of the stress

response in college-aged women. Stress and Health. My role in this work has been to collaborate on study design, data collection and manuscript preparation.

3. Other Research or Creative Activities 2007 Interviewed for an article in the Lowell Sun about the Aspirations program:

“Asperger's syndrome is not autism-lite” by Christine Phelan, Oct. 2007. 2008 Hillier, A. Employment and Asperger Syndrome. Asperger’s Association of New

England Journal, 3, 5-6. D. INSTRUCTION RELATED ACTIVITY 1. Teaching 2006–present Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell

i) General Psychology 47.101 (16 sections, total of 569 students). ii) Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 47.363 (1 section, 31 students). iii) Psychology of Developmental Disabilities 47.362 (1 section, 31 students;

developed this as a new course). iv) Seminar in Clinical Psychology 47.475 (1 section, 14 students; developed

this as a new course). v) Community Service 47.486 (3 sections, 30 students; developed this as a new

course). vi) Disability and Human Services 47.502 (2 sections, 17 students; developed

this as a new course). vii) Community Service 47.486 as a teaching “overload” with individual students: Spring 2007: Christine Grigoriou, Rana Azzi, Emily Makrez and Nicole

Boudrow worked with me on the Aspirations program. Fall 2007: Diana Hilario, Joseline Gonzalez, and Sarah Woods worked

with me on the Aspirations social and vocational skills program for adolescents and young adults with ASD.

Spring 2008: Nicole Piliponis and Erin ODonnell worked with me on the Aspirations program. Holly Bowers worked with me on a Movie Club for adolescents and young adults with ASD.

Spring 2010: Kristi Smith, Willian Ferreria-Fahlberg worked with me on the Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program.

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Fall 2010: Kristine Dancause and Molly Courtemanche worked with me on the SoundScape music program and the Horizons college preparation mentoring program.

Spring 2011: Kevin Beasley, Mary Skelley, and Justin Kopec worked with me on the Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program and the Horizons college mentoring program. Xuan Huynh and Murielle Georges worked with me on a Book Club for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum.

Fall 2011: Julia Funaro and Savannah Marshall worked with me on the SoundScape music program.

Fall 2012: Alyssa MacInnis, Christine Luis, Kendra Silva, Jamie Kaussner, Rebecca Walsh, Katerina Thanopolous, and Cassandra Gallinelli worked with me on various programs for those with ASD.

viii) Directed Study 47.491

• Spring 2007: Stephanie Jackson and Katie Obrien conducted an indepth analysis of ASDs and the most current research in the field.

• Fall 2007: Danielle Guinn worked with me on the Aspirations program. Nataliya Poto worked with me on the SoundScape music program. Daniel Barulli did a project investigating neuroscience and intelligence. Justin Demers helped collect data for a research project comparing traits of typical UML students with those of young adults with ASD. He also worked with me on the Aspirations program.

• Spring 2008: Jeffiner Crosby worked with me on the Aspirations program. John Mitchell worked with me on a Movie Club for adolescents and young adults with ASD.

• Spring 2010: Kevin Bishop worked with me on the Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program.

• Fall 2011: Justin Kopec worked with me on a study looking at responses to music among those with ASD.

• Spring 2012: Justin Kopec continued the work for the study looking at responses to music among those with ASD.

ix) Graduate Directed Study 47.691

• Summer 2007: Kristin Morfill, Sandra Osbourne, and Yajaira Blanco worked with me on the Aspirations program.

• Fall 2007: Emily Makrez worked with me on a project investigating the vocational outcomes of those with ASD, as well as a study looking at the experiences of parents of those with ASD.

• Fall 2009: Nataliya Poto collected data for a study investigating physiological responses to different types of music. Lyndsey Tarrant worked with me on the SoundScape music program.

• Spring 2010: Jennifer Gevry worked with me on the Fit and Fun Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program.

• Spring 2011: Samantha Jacobs worked with me on a project investigating music and physiological responses.

• Fall 2012: Cameron Goodrich worked with me on a project evaluating a mentoring program for UMass Lowell students with a disability. Marlene Abreu worked with me conducting a study of academic outcomes among UMass Lowell students with a disability.

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Courses taught prior to starting at the University of Massachusetts Lowell at Ohio University (Athens, OH), Westminster University (London, England), and Lincoln University (Lincoln, England):

• Child and Adolescent Psychology • Psychology of Education • Clinical Psychology • History and Philosophy of Psychology • Introductory Psychology • Psychobiology • Cognitive Psychology • Personality Psychology

E. SERVICE ACTIVITIES 1. Community Activities Related to Professional Field Programs held on campus for members of the community

2007-present In March 2007 I established the ‘Aspirations’ social and vocational skills support

group for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Components of the program include a) 8-week social and vocational skills support programs for youth on the autism spectrum aged 18-30 years; and b) facilitated parent support groups for those with children in the Aspirations program. I have now run seven groups of Aspirations with six participants in each group. Graduate and undergraduate students are heavily involved and make significant contributions to the program. This program was financially supported by the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation.

2008-present Due to the long waiting list for the Aspirations program, in February 2008 I

established “The Network” program, a monthly social and vocational skills support group for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Participants meet once a month and engage in a broad curriculum of activities and events. These include activities designed to increase development of social and communication skills, outings and off-campus events, and educational presentations on a range of topics including going to college, getting a job, financial independence, independent living etc. There is also a parent support group where guest speakers are frequently invited to discuss topics such as legal planning, housing options, service eligibility etc. The Network also includes on-line discussion groups for both group members and their parents which I oversee, and a Newsletter which I write and email to those enrolled in the program each month. The Network provides a much needed opportunity for adolescents and young adults to meet a large group of other individuals who are

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similar to themselves and who they could potentially make friends with. Graduate and undergraduate students volunteer during the monthly sessions.

2007-present In collaboration with Deirdra Murphy, PT, DPT, MHA, MS in UMass Lowell’s

Department of Physical Therapy I have established a Physical Exercise and Relaxation Program, “Fit and Fun”, for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. It follows a similar model to the Aspirations program (8-weeks, once a week) and also includes direct involvement of students who are responsible for planning and running the weekly sessions. Fit and Fun ran for the fifth time in February 2011, and is planned to continue each Spring semester. This program was financially supported through an internal UML Teaching and Learning grant, and by the Joseph P. Healey Endowment Grant.

2007-present In collaboration with Gena Greher, Ed.D. in UMass Lowell’s Music Department I

have established a music intervention program called “SoundScape” for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Like the PT program, it also follows a similar model to the Aspirations program (8-weeks, once a week) and also includes direct involvement of students who are responsible for planning and running the weekly sessions. SoundScape was first implemented in October 2007 and is planned to continue each Fall semester. SoundScape was financially supported by the Joseph P. Healey Endowment Grant.

2009-present In collaboration with UMass Lowell’s Counseling Center and Office of Disability

Services I have established a support program for UML students with Asperger’s syndrome. “Connections” is an 8-week program offered in Fall and Spring semesters. The aim of the program is to ensure the success and retention of our students with Asperger’s. The curriculum covers topics including time management, stress management, navigating your major, social life on campus, and life post-graduation. We established the program in Spring 2009 and it has been extremely beneficial to those students enrolled each semester. In Spring 2012 we expanded this program to include a weekly social event on Fridays (coordinated by Counseling Center staff), and in Fall 2012 we will expand to include a monthly program “Reconnections” run by myself.

2008-present In Spring 2008 and 2012 I ran a Movie Club for adolescents and young adults

on the autism spectrum. The Movie Club is an 8-week program which provides a unique opportunity for those on the autism spectrum to meet with others with ASD and make friends. It also serves as a control group for the Fit and Fun exercise program.

2009-present In Spring 2009 I established a peer mentoring program called Horizons where

young adults on the autism spectrum who plan to attend university within the next two years are matched with a Psychology UML student. Student mentors and participants meet once a week for 8-weeks and discuss all aspects of university life. This program addresses the recognized need for supports which enable those with ASD to reach their full potential as a university student and succeed both academically and socially. I run the Horizons program each semester and it is extremely popular.

2009-present In Spring 2009 I also established an employment preparation program called

Café Career Chat where adolescents and young adults with ASD meet with a small group of UML Psychology students to discuss employment related issues

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and careers. The program is six weeks and aims to provide an opportunity to learn more about employment skills, and also provide an opportunity to meet others and make friends. This is also an extremely valuable experience for the UML students who facilitate the sessions as part of their Community Service coursework. So far I have run Café Career Chat twice.

2012-present In Fall 2012 I collaborated with the Office of Disability Services to begin a

mentoring program for freshman UMass Lowell students who have a disability. The goals of this program are to ensure a successful transition for these students and to improve retention among our students with a disability. I am responsible for recruiting, screening, training and subsequently supervising the mentors.

Service to the Greater Lowell region

2012 Presentation to Greater Lawrence Technical school regarding supporting

students with Asperger’s syndrome in the high school. 2006-present Member of the Scientific / Educational Advisory Board for the Autism Higher

Education Foundation. The AHE aims to create, improve, and provide access to college-level educational opportunities to individuals on the autism spectrum.

2009-present Member of the Asperger’s Association of New England’s Professional

Roundtable on College Supports for Students with Asperger’s Syndrome. 2010 Presentation to Lurie Family Autism Center, MGH/LADDERS, Lexington, MA.

Programming for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. March 2010.

2009 Presentation to Westford Academy Alternative Education Program, Westford MA.

Programming for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. November 2009.

2009 Panel Presenter. College and Asperger’s Syndrome Conference. Asperger’s

Association of New England, Watertown, MA. October 2009. 2009 Panel Presenter. Teen Transition for those with ASD. Autism Resource Center,

Danvers, MA. October 2009. 2009 Presentations to D-Youville Senior Care Center Lowell, MA. Autism Spectrum

Disorders. May 2009. 2008 Department of Mental Retardation Service Co-ordinator Institute Training

Workshop, UMass Worcester Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Employment. May 2008.

2008 Presentation to parents and family members of young adults on the autism

spectrum (arranged through the organization “LifeLinks”), Lowell, MA. The “Aspirations” social and vocational skills support program. November 2008.

2008 Presentations at Lowell High School to classes of Psychology students, Lowell,

MA. Autism Spectrum Disorders; Going on to Study at University. April 2008.

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2008 Poster presentation at Autism Resource Center, Danvers, MA. Current programs

for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. February 2008.

2007 Presentation to Family Support Providers, Department of Mental Retardation.

Lowell, MA. Social and vocational skills support for young adults on the autism spectrum. March 2007.

2007 Panel speaker, Department of Mental Retardation Transition Forum. Lowell, MA.

March 2007. 2007 Presentation to Asperger’s syndrome parent support group. Reading, MA. Social

and vocational skills support for young adults on the autism spectrum. February 2007.

2. Committee Activities Department 2012-present Member, Graduate Program Committee (Autism Studies), Department of

Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell Graduate admissions sub-committee

2006-2012 Member, Graduate Program Committee (Community Social Psychology),

Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell Graduate admissions sub-committee BIA Master’s program sub-committee

2006-present Member, Personnel Committee, Department of Psychology, University of

Massachusetts Lowell Behavioral Psychologist faculty search committee (Fall 2010)

2006-present Member, Undergraduate Program Committee, Department of Psychology,

University of Massachusetts Lowell College 2010-present Member of the Dean’s Council of Interdisciplinary Academic Programs,

University of Massachusetts Lowell University 2011-present Faculty Senate, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2009-2012 Co-coordinator of an Interdisciplinary Exchange and Advancement (IDEA)

Community focused on Disability Issues, University of Massachusetts Lowell

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2009-present Member, Child Care Committee, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2009-present Member, Undergraduate Education and Academic Programs Committee,

University Strategic Planning Committee, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2009-present Member, Research and Scholarship Committee, University Strategic Planning,

University of Massachusetts Lowell

2006-2007 Member, Scholarly Research Forum, University of Massachusetts Lowell 2006-2008 Member, Council on Diversity and Pluralism, University of Massachusetts Lowell 3. Other Service to the University 2012 Panel Presenter. Tenure and Promotion Workshop, May 2012. 2012 Presentation for Department of Psychology Spring Colloquium Series, University

of Massachusetts Lowell. Physical exercise reduces stress and anxiety among adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Feb, 2012.

2011-present Co-advisor, Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society for Students with Disabilities 2010-present Co-advisor, Disable the Label UML Student Organization 2009-present Department of Psychology Transfer Coordinator

2009-present Program Director for the Interdisciplinary Minor in Disability Studies

2009-present Coordinator of Specialization in Developmental Disabilities

2009-2010 Honors thesis advisor, Molly Korobkin. Molly presented her work at the

Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Research Conference at UMass Amherst in April 2010 and at the UMass Lowell Honors conference in April 2010.

2008-2011 Presentations to various UMass Lowell administrative departments including:

• Careers Services. Asperger’s syndrome. January 2011 • Division of Student Affairs. Asperger’s syndrome. October, 2008 • Police Department. Asperger’s syndrome. August, 2008 • Health Services. UML Students with Asperger’s syndrome. June, 2008

2008 Presentation for Department of Psychology Spring Colloquium Series, University

of Massachusetts Lowell. Evaluation of a university based social and vocational skills program for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. April, 2008.

2007 Member, Americans with Disabilities Act Task Force

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2007 Presentation to Northeast Regional Direct Support Professional Conference, Danvers, MA. UMass Lowell’s Specialization in Developmental Disabilities, and Disability Studies Minor. 2007.

2006 Presentation for Department of Psychology Fall Colloquium Series, University of

Massachusetts Lowell. Investigating cognitive performance among adults on the autism spectrum.