Since transferring to Towson University as a first-generation student in 2015, Nicole Herman has made the most of her opportunities on campus.

She has since earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, her master’s degree in clinical psychology and is getting ready to finish her second year in TU’s autism studies doctoral program.

It was when she was completing her master’s degree that she kindled a passion for helping families with children with autism. Herman also has a personal tie to her work.

“My godson is autistic, and while he has been fortunate to have a good support system, not everyone has that,” she says. “Being able to help families gain access to services and support is very important to me.” 

Since 2017, Herman’s been the research assistant for Karen Eskow, the associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts and a professor in the Department of Family Sciences. Together they’ve continued the Maryland Autism Waiver Research Project.

provides community-based, long-term, person-centered therapeutic services and support to eligible children and youth with autism to enable home and community living as an alternative to institutional care.

“Working with Dr. Eskow has been so helpful because I’ve really grown as a researcher,” Herman says. “Our relationship has changed from me always checking in with her to being more collaborative.”

Helping Maryland families 

Being part of the initial cohort of autism studies doctoral program was a great opportunity for her to explore her professional passion. Now Herman is using her research to develop a case study as part of the studies in the program.

“Telling the story of how many families the waiver has helped is an amazing privilege I hope to truly honor [within this case study],” she says.

Since joining the waiver project, Herman has presented in front of the Maryland Department of Education and at the 2023 American Psychological Association Conference.

“The families, the Department of Education and everyone we partner with is just so collaborative, and they want to see this waiver be successful,” Herman says. “When I interview people for my case study, they ask me when I’m going to publish it because they want to see what our research is saying.

“Not just families but also the professionals providing the services. They know this research makes a difference and hopefully has an impact on the survey of the waiver.”

Nicole Herman sitting across from her faculty advisor and talking about their research.

Herman has been working as a research assistant for Karen Eskow since 2017. By working with Eskow, Herman says she's grown both as a professional but also a researcher. Image credit: Alexander Wright

Stoking student growth

Eskow says helping students to find their passion for research is one of her favorite parts of working at TU.

“The role I have is about taking students as far as they want to go,” Eskow says. “This is truly a partnership. Students like Nicole want to learn and want to grow, and we as professors need to provide them an opportunity.”

Along with working with a professor like Eskow, Herman says an opportunity like this allows her to build relationships with external partners who could be part of her future professional network.

“It’s really awesome,” Herman says. “It’s not just about the mentorship, but I’m making connections with places like the state Department of Education and other professors from around the country. It’s been a wonderful connection for me. Everyone is very dedicated to helping autistic youth and their families, and I am grateful to be able to support that in any way I can.”