Crystal Slanzi, PhD, BCBA-D

Headshot
College of Natural and Social Sciences
Department of Psychology
Email
cslanzi@calstatela.edu
Curriculum Vitae

Introduction

I am a behavioral scientist. My research interests are all tied to the role human behavior plays in both physical and mental health. Prior to joining the faculty at Cal State LA I had a lengthy career doing clinical work with children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum, with cognitive impairments, or mental health issues. I have also taught courses in behavior analysis and learning for many years and provided clinical supervision to aspiring behavior analysts in Canada, the United States, and Italy. My teaching and mentorship style is largely based on behavioral analysis and learning.

Teaching Interests

I love to teach as much as I love to do research. I try to employ a universal design to make course materials, tests, and assignments accessible to as many students as possible regardless of their background. My approach to teaching is to provide students with clear instructions and expectations and multiple opportunities to practice and receive feedback. 

Courses Taught

  • Introduction to Psychological Sciences (PSY 2000)
  • Ethics (PSY 4770)
  • Psychology of Learning and Behavior (PSY 4210)
  • Behavioral Health (PSY 4410)

Research Interests

My research interests are broad with the primary goal of applying principles of behavioral science to public health. I currently conduct research in community mental health and prevention of infectious disease through behavior change. I currently have two grant funding projects that are both intervention studies. The first is to increase opportunities for religious participation for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) in faith communities. The second is to increase community participation in individuals with SMI by promoting small feasible behavioral changes and teaching self-management skills over 10 group sessions. I have also conducted research on transmission pathway evaluation in rural Ethiopia and on skill acquisition and the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior with individuals on the autism spectrum. 

Interested Students

I am currently accepting graduate students that either have undergraduate coursework in behavior analysis that want to learn to apply those principles to mental or physical health or students that have a background in or are interesting public health and are willing to take the behavior analysis courses offered at Cal State LA during their M.A., studies. 

If you are interested in joining my lab please contact me via email. 

Selected Publications

  1. Wang, Y., Yang, Y., Slanzi, C. M., Li, X., Ojeda, A., Paro, F., Deblais, L., Yakubu, H., Hassen, B. M., & Game, H. (2025). Quantitative multi-pathway assessment of exposure to Escherichia coli for infants in Rural Ethiopia. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 19(6), e0013154. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013154
  2. Schulz, J. A., Slanzi, C. M., Weinsztok, S. C., & Schieber, E. (2024) Guest editorial: Integrating public health and behavioral science to improve population health. Behavior and Social Issues. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42822-024-00189-y
  3. Slanzi, C. M., Morris, S. L., Conine, D. E., Kronfli, F. K., Breaux, C, & Salzer, M. S.(2024). Respecting behavioral diversity and prioritizing inclusion: Surveying behavior analysts’ intervention strategies. Behavior and Social Issues. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42822-024-00191-4
  4. Slanzi, C. M., & Fernand, J. K. (2024). On the use and benefits of electronic data collection systems: A tutorial on Countee. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 1228-1237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00964-8
  5. Slanzi, C. M. & Brusilovskiy, E., Snethen, G., McCormick, B., & Salzer, M. S. (2022). Participation in arts and culture among individuals with serious mental illnesses and its relationship to recovery. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/prj0000553
  6. Slanzi, C. M., & Sellers, T. (2022). Paying for supervision: Barriers, solutions, and opportunities. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16, 363–373, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-022-00727-3
  7. Lloveras, L. A., Slanzi, C. M., & Vollmer, T. R. (2022) New (old) perspective on self- njurious and aggressive biting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(3), 674-687.https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.924
  8. Slanzi, C. M., Vollmer, T. R., Iwata, B. A., Kronfli, F. K., Willams Pabst, K., & Perez, B. C. (2022). Further evaluation of functional analysis screening methods in early autism intervention. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(3), 851-870 https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.925
  9. Normand M. P., Dallery, J., & Slanzi, C. M. (2021). Leveraging applied behavior analysis research and practice in the service of public health. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(2), 457-483. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.832