One of the three primary missions of the Thompson Center is to conduct interdisciplinary, collaborative research on the causes of and treatments for autism in an effort to improve the lives of families with autism.
One of the ways that make’s the Thompson Center one of the premier autism research centers in the country is our staff of outstanding, expert research core members who provide logistical support to several ongoing research projects at a time. Over the course of the next several weeks, we will highlight some of the amazing research core staff who make the innovative, life-changing research conducted at the Thompson Center possible.
What’s your name?
Samantha Hunter
Where did you grow up?
Central Arkansas
What is your position at the Thompson Center?
Research Specialist II
How long have you worked at the Thompson Center?I’ve
I’ve worked at the Thompson Center for 4.5 years.
What is your role at the Thompson Center?
My responsibilities include contacting families about research opportunities, assisting them in the study process, addressing study concerns, running study visits, administering assessments, collecting and processing specimens, maintaining regulatory documents, and entering data.
What got you interested in autism research?
I wanted to learn more about autism and how we can improve the lives of people on the spectrum.
What is your favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center?
My favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center is the opportunity to work with our families. Our families inspire me with their kindness, patience, and perseverance. It is a joy to build relationships with them and it makes my heart swell when we can make a small difference in their lives. The bonus on top is the amazing team that I get to work.