Human Development and Child Studies
456 Pioneer Drive
Rochester , MI 48309-4482
(248) 370-3077
Fax: (248) 370-4242
KAT LAB
The KAT Lab is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who engage in severe problem behavior. We utilize rigorous and innovative translational research methodology to solve problems of societal importance.
For additional information, contact Dr. Michael Kranak at [email protected].
Assistant Professor | Director of Research
Michael Kranak, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Research for the Center for Autism at Oakland University. Prior to joining OU, he was a researcher and clinician at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology and Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University, M.A. in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from The Ohio State University, and B.A. in Psychology from West Virginia University.
His research interests include applied and translational investigations of relapse, the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior, and behavioral technology in supervision and higher education. Dr. Kranak has accrued and serves as Principal Investigator (PI) or Consortium PI on over $1 million in funding for his research and clinical endeavors. He has also served as an NIH review panel member for the Child Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities study section. Additionally, Dr. Kranak is an Associate Editor for Behavior Analysis in Practice, Guest Associate Editor for Education and Treatment of Children; and currently serves on the Board of Editors for Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Single-Case in the Social Sciences, and as an ad hoc reviewer for several other journals. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, cooking, golfing; and is an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.
Embark Program Research Mentee
Brandon is a second-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He graduated from the University of California San Diego in 2017 with a degree in Pharmacological Chemistry. His research aims to better equip healthcare professionals in addressing and caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Graduate Research Associate
Kayla Knoche is a first-year graduate student in Oakland’s MEd ABA program. She earned her B.S. in neuroscience at Michigan State University, graduating in 2022. She has worked in ABA centers for the past couple of years and loves it! Her research interests include behavioral intervention techniques and technological advances in the field of ABA to better treat and understand individuals with disabilities.
KAT Lab Cats
Kolbe and Pio are seven-month-old Domestic Short Hairs and the mascots of the KAT Lab. They enjoy playing, attending Zoom meetings, walking on keyboards, napping, and listening to the human members of the KAT Lab discuss behavior-analytic research and clinical cases.
Graduate Clinical Associate
Lauren is a second-year Master’s student in the Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis program at Oakland University. She earned her B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University in 2021. She’s worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across a variety of settings including outpatient clinics and schools.
Graduate Clinical Associate
Morgan is a first-year Master’s student in the Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis program at Oakland University. She earned her B.S. in Education from Bowling Green State University in 2022. She’s worked primarily in classroom settings, including both special and general education settings, as both an instructor and as a behavioral consultant.
KAT Lab Cat Emeritus (2018-23)
Murray was a four-year-old Tabby and the inaugural mascot of the KAT Lab. He en-joyed sleeping, watching birdies out the window, and listening to the human members of the KAT Lab discuss research.
Embark Program Research Mentee
Paige is a second-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from Michigan State University in 2019. Her research focuses on developing trainings and curricula for medical students to prepare them to work with individuals who display problem behavior.
Selected Publications
Kranak, M. P., & Falligant, J. M. (2023). Treatment integrity, commission errors, and reinstatement: A primer. Education and Treatment of Children, 46(3), 249–262.
Kranak, M. P., & Brown, K. R. (2023). Updated recommendations for reinforcement schedule thinning following functional communication training. Behavior Analysis in Practice. Advance online publication.
Kranak, M. P., Andzik, N. R., Jones, C., & Hall, H. (2023). A systematic review of supervision research related to board certified behavior analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16(4), 1006–1021.
Kranak, M. P. (2022). Put out the fire before it spreads: On equipping behavior analysts with strategies to mitigate burnout. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 22(4), 404–406.
Kranak, M. P., Rooker, G. W., Carr, C. J., Bradtke, P., Falligant, J. M., & Hausman, N. L. (2021). Evaluation of accepted and rejected submissions in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis: Gender and experience. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(3), 1175–1187.
​Falligant, J. M., Kranak, M. P., McNulty, M. K., Schmidt, J. D., Hausman, N. L., & Rooker, G. W. (2021). Prevalence of renewal of problem behavior: Replication and extension to an inpatient setting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(1), 367-373.
Andzik, N. R., & Kranak, M. P. (2021). The softer side of supervision: Recommendations when teaching and evaluating behavior-analytic professionalism. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 21(1), 65-74.
For additional information, view Dr. Kranak’s full list of publications.
Broadly, our research aims to improve the lives of individuals who engage in severe problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury). This is accomplished through two primary research lines: (1) refining behavioral assessment and treatment methods and (2) improving and enhancing training strategies for intervention agents.
We also focus on and foster partnerships with local clinics, hospitals, and school districts.
Those interested in our recent and current projects can view the "Publications" tab or contact Dr. Kranak.
Supervision
To date, Dr. Kranak's supervisees and mentees have a 100%, first-time pass rate on the BCBA exam. Individuals interested in obtaining supervision are encouraged to email Dr. Kranak to discuss rates and availability. Remote supervision, as well as in-person supervision in Southeastern Michigan are available.
Collaborations
We are always looking to expand our collaborative partnerships. Individuals interested in establishing consultative or research partnerships are strongly encouraged to contact us.
- Chloe Jones (2021–23)
- BCBA, Healing Haven Behavioral Health & Autism Therapy Services
- Sadie Hughes (2021–23)
- BCBA, INSPIRE Autism
- Vali Hakeem (2020–23)
- Graduate Student, Wayne State University