“Alex embodies the very best of his field, and I hope this campaign can celebrate the empathy, professionalism, dedication, and scientific integrity he brings to all he does.” – Lesa Hoffman 

Hometown: Manchester, Iowa

Faculty mentors/advisors: Matthew O'Brien, PhD, BCBA-D, clinical associate professor of pediatrics-psychology, Carver College of Medicine; Lesa Hoffman, PhD, Eugene T. Moore Distinguished Professor, College of Education, Clemson University

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: PhD in school psychology and MA in educational measurement and statistics, Spring 2026

Alex Pauls studies how to help individuals who exhibit severe, challenging behaviors—such as aggression, property destruction, and self-injury—through clinical care and research. His work focuses on developing effective interventions and understanding why these behaviors sometimes relapse after treatment ends. By examining the interplay between behavioral and medication-based strategies, Pauls aims to improve long-term outcomes for patients and families.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s the research people do that makes them successful so much as it is who they do it with,”  says Pauls. “Matt [O’Brien] and Lesa [Hoffman] are both models of what a mentor should be with their unconditional support of and belief in their students. I’m hopeful I can emulate that in my own work.”

After graduation, Pauls plans to continue serving individuals with challenging behavior and training future clinicians and researchers, with hopes of remaining at the University of Iowa to advance this mission.