Research at HDFS
Our research emphasizes close interpersonal relationships, family processes, and human development across the lifespan within a variety of contexts and systems. We are committed to a focus on inclusive excellence and multiculturalism in research, teaching, and service. Because we define development and relationships broadly, our faculty explore variation associated with race, ethnicity, cultural values, age, family structure, nationality, geographic location, and sexual orientation, as well as structural influences of socioeconomic and educational status and state/federal policies. HDFS strives for translational research and outreach that examines real-world issues, has clear practical implications, and that applies prevention and intervention strategies to strengthen individual and family well-being.
Prospective students interested in working with our doctoral faculty can click here to learn more about faculty research interests. We encourage prospective students to reach out to faculty members to learn more about opportunities to work with them.
Improving Health and Well-Being Across the Lifespan
Early Childhood & Child Development
Aileen Garcia
Shinyoung Jeon
Louis Manfra
Michelle Mathews
Francisco Palermo
Rachel Thibodeau- Nielsen
Nora Hager
Adult Development & Aging
Understanding Individual and Contextual Variations in Development and Relationships
Race, Ethnicity, & Cultural Contexts and Influences
Lupita Fabregas Janeiro
Aileen Garcia
Sarah Killoren
Antoinette Landor
Louis Manfra
Michelle Mathews
Francisco Palermo
Duane Rudy
So Young Park
Context of Sexuality and Gender in Development and Families
Influence of Education, Socioeconomic Status, and Family Policies
Shinyoung Jeon
Brenda Lohman
Louis Manfra
Michelle Mathews
Francisco Palermo
So Young Park
Duane Rudy
Rachel Thibodeau- Nielsen
Strengthening Relationships
Intimate & Romantic Relationships
Chelsea Garneau-Rosner
Melissa Herzog
Sarah Killoren
Antoinette Landor
Ashlie Lester
Kale Monk
So Young Park
Eunjin Tracy
Parent-Child & Sibling Relationships
Aileen Garcia
Megan Gilligan
Shinyoung Jeon
Sarah Killoren
Antoinette Landor
Naomi Meinertz
Duane Rudy
Michelle Mathews
Family Structure & Process
Chelsea Garneau-Rosner
Ashlie Lester
Naomi Meinertz
Kale Monk
So Young Park
Megan Gilligan