Chiaki Gonda

Chiaki Gonda completed her master's degree in applied behavioral science in 2011. She came to study at The University of Kansas from Nagano, Japan and joined the RTC/IL as a graduate research assistant in 2005. She provided assistance with data collection, marketing, and other special projects for the research projects: Research and Training Center on Measurement and Interdependence in Community Living; Nobody Left Behind; and Assessing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Persons with Disabilities.

Gonda also interned at Independence, Inc., a center for independent living, and the Gadugi Safe Center. She served on the Ablehawks executive board as treasurer. Her academic scholarships included the International Student Service and Scholar Scholarship, Watkins Scholarship Hall Academic Excellence Scholarship, Applied Behavioral Science Multicultural Program Scholarship, and Applied Behavioral Science Department Scholarship.

Research Interests

Gonda's research interests include women with disabilities, youth with disabilities, the independent living philosophy and disability culture, and international disability rights issues.

Favorite Quote

"I call for solidarity among all who love justice, all who love life, to create a revolution that will empower every single human being to govern his or her life, to govern the society and to be fully productive of life quality for self and for all." Justin Dart, Jr.