Academic Background
Ph.D. University of Kansas, Lawrence KS
M.A. Long Island University, Greenvale, NY
B.A. Quinnipiac College, Hamden, CT
Postdoctoral Management Training Institute, The Wharton School
Current appointments:
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Co-Director, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
Professional and Research Interests
Dr. Hamad has extensive experience working with a broad range of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He is particularly noted for his work in applied behavior analysis and with technological approaches to helping children with autism. For his work in autism early intervention training, Dr. Hamad, along with his UMass Medical School colleague Richard Fleming, won the 2008 Sloan C award for the 'Most Outstanding Online Teaching and Learning Program' in the nation. This program was developed by the Shriver Center in collaboration with UMass Lowell and UMassOnline. He has been the Principal Investigator on a number of National Institute of Health grants developing online training courses for students and professionals who work with individuals with disabilities. Courses include a series of Early Intervention trainings directed at providers who support children with developmental disabilities, a practitioner skills training program for autism behavioral early intervention providers, and trainings in emergency preparedness focused on the needs of people with disabilities for first responders and emergency managers.