J. B. Ganz, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Principal Investigator
Dr. Birdie Ganz is the Principal Investigator of the Coach to Communicate (C2C) lab and a Professor of Special Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders. Their research focuses on improving communication in autistic and intellectually/developmentally disabled people without the ability to use speech functionally. Most recently, they have conducted several meta-analyses and systematic reviews to provide input to educators and family members regarding how to best implement augmentative and alternative communication systems. Further, Birdie conducts research investigating the use of telepractice communication partner coaching to improve communication in these populations, particularly with families from underrepresented groups. Previously, they taught elementary general and special education and completed graduate school at the University of Kansas. In their free time, Birdie enjoys spending time with their adult children, biking, camping, hiking, and going on road trips.
Currently accepting graduate students & research team members – email to chat
Friends and Collaborators
Drs. Trudy Georgio in an orange blouse and glasses, Ganz in a black top and K95, and Shanna Bodenhamer in a black top at the 2022 Richard L. Simpson Conference on Autism in Kansas.
Drs. Deb Griswold, Paul Lacava, Ganz, and Theresa Earles-Vollrath smiling at the 2022 Richard L. Simpson Conference on Autism in Kansas.
Dr. Marcus Fuller, smiling in glasses and a beige top, and Dr. Ganz, smiling in glasses and a navy top, at the awards ceremony for DADD 2026.
Dr. Birdie Ganz, smiling and wearing glasses and a light blue top, and Dr. Sanikan Wattanawongwan, smiling in a white jacket, at Dr. Wattanawongwan’s presentation at the 7th Annual 2025 Richard L. Simpson Conference on Autism at Missouri State University.
Birdie Ganz, an alum of the University of Kansas, smiling, wearing glasses and a beach-themed top, and standing in front of the KU Jayhawk on the Edwards Campus at KU.
Drs. April Haas, smiling in a Hawaiian shirt, and Birdie Ganz, smiling with glasses and a yellow dress, at a restaurant in Honolulu at DADD 2024.
Future Dr. Matthew Klein, Dr. Ganz, and Future Dr. Anindita Banerjee smiling at DADD 2024 in Honolulu.
Ganz Alumni
Cassidy Turner, Graduate Assistant
Cassidy is currently pursuing her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, driven by a passion for fostering communication, human connection, and meaningful interactions. While she has a strong interest in working with young children and adolescents, she is eager to expand her experience with adult populations. As a Graduate Research Assistant, she supports faculty-led projects through literature review, research writing, study preparation, and collaboration with other professionals. Outside of school, she loves to travel, stay active through pilates and going on walks, and try new coffee shops!
