Neurodiversity/Autism Spectrum Research

Dr. LauraAnn Migliore is an experienced leader, innovative researcher, and inspiring educator, specializing in organizational strategy and the psychology of learning for employee training and leadership development programs through the lens of digital technology and the Internet of Things (loT) - Big Data, Machine Learning, and 3D Virtual Learning. LauraAnn’s professional background includes over 30-years diverse work experiences in the automotive industry, higher education, consulting, healthcare, and non-profit. She is published in the areas of personality and cross-cultural research, leadership, corporate governance, and mobile technology. Migliore is an Organizational Strategist at Abundant Knowledge, L.L.C. and 2020 President of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Southwest Florida Chapter. She exemplifies the heart and soul of helping individuals achieve high levels of personal and professional excellence and helping organizations improve their competitive position through performance excellence and innovation. 

With over two decades of experience in information technology, Dr. Bridget Arena specializes in the application of gaming technology to improve learner educational experiences. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction. Her research interests include, neurodiversity, 3D Virtual Learning Environments (3D-VLEs), online learning, and adult education. 

Dr. Arena has presented her research on 3D-VLEs entitled Avatar mediated self-determined learning in an immersed 3D virtual learning environment, at an internationally attended academic research conference, and contributed to presentations and a book chapter on the implementation of 3D-VLEs in diverse adult educational applications. She is committed to the development of technology-based learning solutions that motivate and engage learners including those that identify as atypicals and or neurodiverse to achieve successful outcomes both in knowledge retention and socialization.

Michigan Senator Michael MacDonald holds a doctorate in healthcare administration. He is the chief executive officer of Fifth Domain, a research organization dedicated to conducting and funding studies in several societal segments including mental health, aerospace, and economics. Dr. MacDonald recently presented at the 2020 Qualitative Report Conference at Nova Southeastern University. His session entitled, A qualitative study of women to assess coping mechanisms for exercise adherence to curtail obesity, was well received.  

According to the abstract, "The study sample focused only on a successful deterrence of obesity in women recruited from a Detroit area YMCA. The results demonstrated that predominately negative external physiological and psychological experiences are initially necessary to self-determine or trigger behavioral change, followed by prolonged positive internal psychological motivators needed to maintain adherence to exercise, culminating with the consistency of routine structured regimen to deter obesity."

Erik Bean is the founder of the Ethan Bean Mental Wellness Foundation (EBMWF). He lost his 17 year old son Ethan to suicide in August 2018.  Ethan had struggled with several atypical diagnoses including psychosis and bi-polar. Erik hopes to raise awareness about atypicals and other neurodiversity challenges particularly in the areas of inclusion and socialization.  As a scholar, Erik holds a doctorate in education with sanctioned research interests in cultural competence, leadership, immediacy, meditation,  mental health, decision making, and using technology for learning (including the author of several peer-reviewed books). He is the section editor of Leadership Perspectives, The Journal of Leadership Studies, John Wiley & Sons and has presented frequently at international venues including Lord's Cricket Stadium, London, St. Anne's College, Oxford University, Brussels, Barcelona, Vancouver, and Jerusalem. Erik is working to secure EBMWF funding from a variety of philanthropic and competitive sources. "Ethan is the foot soldier driving this exploration," says Erik. "This entire effort is his legacy."

We are seeking passionate mental wellness advocates and resourceful researchers familiar with or willing to use grantsmanship to vie for research opportunities as the Ethan Bean Mental Wellness Foundation expands. Feel free to use our contact form or email us directly at info@ethanbean.org