Assist Prof Dr. Serap Dogan Aslan | Special Education | Best Researcher Award

Full time assistant professor at Gaziantep University, Turkey

Dr. Serap Dogan Aslan is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Gaziantep University, specializing in autism, intellectual disabilities, applied behavior analysis, and evidence-based practices. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from Anadolu University and has an extensive record of research, publications, and projects related to teaching individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Dogan Aslan’s work includes creating employment and health skill programs for individuals with autism, and her contributions to the field have been recognized through awards and postdoctoral fellowships.

professional profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Serap Dogan Aslan holds a Ph.D. in Special Education, with a focus on the education of individuals with intellectual disabilities, from Anadolu University, completed in 2022. Her dissertation explored the effects of a health skill instruction package on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Special Education from Anadolu University in 2016, specializing in the education of the mentally disabled. Dr. Aslan also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education, which she completed in 2011 at Anadolu University. Her educational background has equipped her with deep expertise in special education methodologies, particularly in teaching individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This strong academic foundation has shaped her professional career and guided her toward impactful research and teaching practices.

work Experience

Dr. Serap Dogan Aslan has a decade of professional experience in special education, beginning as a teacher in special education rehabilitation centers between 2010 and 2014. She served as a Research Assistant at Anadolu University from 2011 to 2021, actively contributing to the Special Education Research, Development, and Practice Unit. In 2022, she joined Gaziantep University as an Assistant Professor and Chairperson in the Intellectual Disability and Autism Area, where she focuses on improving teaching methods for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Aslan has also participated in various national and international conferences, presenting her findings on special education, autism, and teaching methodologies. Her hands-on experience and leadership in special education research have significantly impacted her teaching and research, making her a leader in autism education and special needs support.

Research Focus

Dr. Serap Dogan Aslan’s research centers on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities, with a specific focus on applied behavior analysis, evidence-based teaching practices, and the development of independent living and employment skills for individuals with disabilities. Her studies often utilize qualitative research methods and single-subject research designs to explore the effectiveness of various teaching techniques. Dr. Aslan is particularly interested in the transition to adulthood for individuals with ASD, focusing on employment skills and safety training. She also researches innovative educational approaches, such as the use of technology and social robots in teaching social and academic skills. Through her research, Dr. Aslan aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities, enhancing their ability to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

Awards and honors

Dr. Serap Dogan Aslan has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to special education. In 2024, she was awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) for her research on transformational leadership in special education classrooms. In 2023, she earned the Publication Award from the Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Turkey for her work on “Social robots in the instruction of social skills in autism.” These honors reflect her commitment to advancing research and improving teaching practices for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Aslan’s recognition in her field underscores the impact of her work and contributions to the academic and educational communities. Her achievements demonstrate her leadership in special education, particularly in the areas of autism, employment skills, and applied behavior analysis.

Conclusion

Dr. Serap Dogan Aslan is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her substantial contributions to the field of special education, particularly in autism and developmental disabilities. Her research, publications, and projects demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. While there is potential for her to expand her research into broader societal applications and outcomes, her work’s impact within the special education community makes her a compelling nominee for the award.

Publications to Noted

Dogan Aslan, S. (in press). Autism spectrum disorder parent’s handbook. Ministry of National Education (MoNE) publication.

Dogan Aslan, S. (in press). The current situation regarding the employment of individuals with special needs. In Ministry of National Education (MoNE). Vocational education and employment in special education, (pp. 30-45). MoNE-UNICEF press.

Dogan Aslan, S., Orum Cattik, E., Aldemir-Fırat, Ö. (2023). Assessment of access to information by individuals with special needs from the perspective of libraries, (pp. 686-2696). In Bezirci, P., Kanık, I., Alaca, E., Palo, G., Soylu, D. (Eds.). Nobel Academic Publication.

Dogan, S. (2023). Safety against natural disasters, (pp. 227-278). In Gunes Ozler, N. (Ed). Safety skills in individuals with developmental disabilities. Hiper Publication.

Dogan, S. & Ergenekon, Y. (2022). Health education with activity examples in autism spectrum disorder. Nobel Publication.

Dogan, S. & Ergenekon, Y. (2022). Errorless teaching methods, (pp. 190-224). In Sazak (Ed). Methods with changes in prompting. Pegem Academy.

Dogan, S. (2021). Technology in unusual situations, (pp. 176-184). In Kaya, A. (Ed). Intellectual disability and technology. Nobel Academy.

Dogan, S. (2021). Daily life and technology, (pp. 99-113). In Kaya, A. (Ed). Intellectual disability and technology. Nobel Academy.

Serap Dogan Aslan | Special Education | Best Researcher Award