Commencement Corner: Stephen Bernhardt, Spring 2026 Graduate

Meet our soon-to-be-alumni, in their own words. This series spotlights graduates on their way to cross the stage—discover what they’re proudest of, and what comes next.

What is your major here at SUNY Empire?

I am graduating with a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.

What was your favorite class at SUNY Empire, and why?

I enjoyed a lot of classes at SUNY Empire, but my favorite would have to be APPL 6035 – Supervision and Staff Training. The course focused on developing the supervisory and leadership skills needed to be an effective BCBA, which was an area I initially felt less confident in. It really helped me grow professionally and gave me a stronger sense of confidence in my ability to lead and support others in the field.

What is your favorite moment from your time here?

My favorite moment from my time at SUNY Empire would have to be passing my capstone project defense. The presentation marked the culmination of over a year of hard work and research for both myself and my colleagues, so getting to learn about everyone’s unique projects and seeing the enthusiasm each person had for their research made the experience especially rewarding. It was a very gratifying conclusion to a challenging but worthwhile process.

What does becoming an alum of Empire State University mean to you?

Becoming an alum of Empire State University means a great deal to me because it represents not only an academic accomplishment, but also the support and opportunities that helped me grow along the way. I’m extremely grateful to now be part of such an extensive community and network of alumni that will continue to have a meaningful impact on my personal and professional development post-graduation.

One thing you want to keep doing post-graduation:

Post-graduation, I would like to stay active in the SUNY Empire community by continuing to build and maintain the strong personal and professional relationships I developed during my time in the program. 

What are your future plans?

My plans for the future are to gain experience as a BCBA, ideally continuing in a school-based setting, and eventually pursue a doctoral degree in either ABA or behavioral psychology. Long term, I hope to teach at the university level while continuing to contribute to the field through clinical work.