Human Development

Human Development (HD) faculty in the Department of Family and Consumer Studies (FCS) conduct innovative and interdisciplinary research in diverse social settings and community contexts. Child, adolescent, and adult development are explored using quantitative, qualitative, and community-based research methods. By shedding light on critical contemporary challenges affecting optimal development, faculty hope to provide research-based solutions that can improve the health and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities.

Faculty members training, research, and scholarship encompass a broad range of theoretical and applied topics. For example, recent projects include: infant emotional and cognitive development (Marissa Diener, Lukas Lopez); autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity (Marissa Diener, Cheryl Wright); racial and socioeconomic disparities in health (David Curtis, Lukas Lopez); community environments and health outcomes (David Curtis); parent-child relationships (Marissa Diener, Lukas Lopez); school contexts and adolescent engagement (Kevin Rathunde); identity development in mid- and later life (Kevin Rathunde); and parent education using technology-based and arts-based methods (Kevin Rathunde, Cheryl Wright).

• Human development is studied in context. Faculty members use a variety of research approaches and paradigms and hold a shared view that individuals are embedded in social contexts and cannot be fully understood outside of them.
• Faculty value community-based, collaborative research that promotes inclusivity, honors diverse points of view, and can impact social change.
• HD faculty are invested in high quality teaching and mentorship of the next generation of scholars who share our commitment to better understand and strengthen human development.

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