College of Education and Human Development

Family Social Science

Children's mental health in the context of families

Traumatic events during childhood. Understanding mental well-being and its impact on human development and relationships, and the effects of drug abuse, dependency, addiction, and recovery on individuals, families, and systems.

Ronald Asiimwe, PhD Ronald Asiimwe, PhD

Dr. Asiimwe's research integrates multicultural perspectives to understand and explore the mental and relational health needs of African families and communities in the US and Africa who face challenges related to current and historical trauma.

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a professor

Michael Curtis Michael Curtis

Dr. Curtis' research focuses on improving the mental health and service utilization of individuals from oppressed, and underserved communities to address the syndemic effects of intersectional stigma, traumatic stress, HIV, and mental health issues.

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A professor.

Chansophal Mak Chansophal Mak

Chansophal Mak (Sophal) is originally from Cambodia. She received her PhD in Human Development and Family Science with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Georgia in Spring 2023.

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chansophal mak

Christopher Mehus Christopher Mehus

I am a Prevention Scientist with a background in family science, family therapy, parenting interventions, primary care research, and psychological trauma.

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Christopher Mehus

Tai Mendenhall Tai Mendenhall

  • Professor, Couple & Family Therapy Specialization
  • he/him/his
  • 612-624-3138
  • mend0009@umn.edu

I am a Medical Family Therapist and Director of the UMN Medical Reserve Corps’ Mental Health Disaster-Response Teams. My research examines collaborative family health care and community-based participatory research focused on public health issues.

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Tai Mendenhall

Timothy Piehler Timothy Piehler

  • Associate Professor, Distinguished University Teaching Professor
  • he/him/his
  • 612-301-1484
  • tpiehler@umn.edu

My program of research is focused on developing and evaluating preventive interventions in the areas of youth mental health and substance use.

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Timothy Piehler

Avelina Rivero Avelina Rivero

Dr. Rivero's research identifies how family members can influence and shape Latina young women’s body image perceptions and development and explores the unique role cultural values play in shaping family interactions and relationships.

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A professor.

Xiaoran Sun Xiaoran Sun

As a developmental and family psychologist, I conduct research on the interplay between family systems processes and well-being across adolescence and young adulthood.

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Xiaoran Sun

Lindsey Weiler Lindsey Weiler

Dr. Weiler's research focuses on developing and testing interventions for children and adolescents. The goal of this research is to identify effective strategies for fostering positive development and healthy functioning.

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Lindsey Weiler, associate professor

Armeda Wojciak Armeda Wojciak

  • Associate Professor and Couple & Family Therapy Program Director
  • she/her/hers
  • 612-625-1900
  • awojciak@umn.edu

Dr. Wojciak has developed a robust research program in improving outcomes for at-risk youth and families with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) through interventions that are designed and evaluated across family, foster care, school, and youth…

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Armeda Wojciak
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