College of Education and Human Development

Education
Ph.D. Indiana University, Bloomington
B.A. Ohio Northern University

Research Interests
Transition of youth with disabilities from school to adult life
Supported employment for persons with significant disabilities
Personnel preparation in special education and rehabilitation
Application of social psychological theory to issues of community inclusion

Courses Taught
Undergraduate:
Transition for Students with Special Needs; Supported Employment; Introduction to Rehabilitation Counseling and Services; Research Methods in Special Education

Graduate:
Transition from School to Adult Life; Supported Employment; Statistics in Education; Human Exceptionality; Human Services and Systems Change

Recent Publications

Novak, J., Feyes, K., & Christensen, K. (in press). Application of intergroup contact theory to the integrated workplace: Setting the stage for inclusion. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Izzo, M. V., Yurick, A., Nagaraja, H. N., & Novak, J. A. (2010). Effects of a 21st Century Curriculum on Students’ Information Technology and Transition Skills. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 33(2), 95-105.

Novak, J., & Rogan, P. (2010). Social integration in employment settings: Application of intergroup contact theory. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 48, 31-51.

Novak, J. (2010). Learning through service: A course designed to positively influence students’ disability-related attitudes. Journal of Education for Teaching, 36, 121-123.

Novak, J., Murray, M., Scheuermann, A., & Curran, E. (2009). Enhancing the preparation of special educators through service learning: Evidence from two preservice courses. International Journal of Special Education, 24(1), 32-44.

Izzo, M., Murray, A., & Novak, J. (2008). The faculty perspective on Universal Design for Learning. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21(2), 60-72.

Banks, B. R., Novak, J., Mank, D. M., & Grossi, T. (2007). Disclosure of a psychiatric disability in employment: An exploratory study. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 11(1), 69-84.

Awards and Honors

Disability Services Outstanding Faculty Award (Fall Semester, 2008). An award given once a semester to a BGSU faculty member committed to providing equal access and opportunity to students with disabilities.