This award is given annually to an individual who has made a significant, long-standing contribution to the field of applied behavioral science (ABS).

This award is named after Dr. E. Scott Geller, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, who has been a researcher, teacher, scholar, and advocate for humanistic behaviorism at Virginia Tech for over 54 years. His international consulting has aimed to promote the cultivation of actively caring for people (AC4P) cultures. As such, nominees for this award could work in any number of occupations in behavior analysis or ABS, but their efforts must have made a significant contribution to applying behavioral science to improve human welfare.

The award consists of recognition at the annual business meeting, a free-standing award, one complimentary registration to VABA, and an invitation to lunch with the VABA Board.

Criteria: Currently live and practice behavior analysis in Virginia. Nominees must be practicing for at least 10 years post-licensure and have made a significant and sustained contribution to the field of behavior analysis.

2024 – Christy Evanko, BCBA, LBA

2025– Dr. Trevor Stokes, PhD, LBA

2026– Dr. Jane Barbin, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

 

This award is given to an early career behavior analyst working in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The recipient can work in any specialty within behavior analysis, but their work should have a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Commonwealth. The award consists of recognition at the annual business meeting, plaque, one complimentary registration to VABA, and an invitation to lunch with the VABA Board.

Criteria: Currently live and practice behavior analysis in Virginia. At the
time of nomination, the individual should not be practicing for more than 5 years post-licensure.

2024 – Hannah Riddle, BCBA, LBA

2025– Valencia Pankey, BCBA, LBA

2026– Erin McCormack, BCBA, LBA