Family and human development in context
Researching and analyzing how children form relationships, navigate conflict, and understand themselves within a community. How various forms of discrimination, such as racial, gender, or socioeconomic discrimination, impact individuals’ relationships and family dynamics.
Chalandra Bryant Chalandra Bryant
- Professor and Dr. Pauline Boss Professorship in Ambiguous Loss
- 612-625-1900
- cmbryant@umn.edu
Dr. Bryant's research focuses on the developmental roots and course of close relationships; the ability to sustain close intimate ties; and how social, familial, economic, and psychosocial factors are linked to marital outcomes.
Michael Curtis Michael Curtis
- Assistant Professor
- He/him/his
- curtism@umn.edu
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.
Jodi Dworkin Jodi Dworkin
- Professor and Extension Specialist
- she, her, hers
- 612-624-3732
- jdworkin@umn.edu
My research and outreach focuses on promoting positive family development, parenting adolescents and college students, and the role of technology in these relationships.
Stacey Horn Stacey Horn
- Department Head, Professor, and Campbell Leadership Chair in Education & Human Development
- she/her/hers
- 612-625-1900
- sshorn@umn.edu
Horn's current research focuses on prejudice related to sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as bias-motivated bullying among adolescents.
Michelle Pasco Michelle Pasco
- Assistant Professor
- she/her/hers
- mpasco@umn.edu
Dr. Pasco’s research uses a culturally-informed lens to understand the lived experiences of ethnic-racial minoritized youth and families within neighborhood contexts and uses different methods to examine how neighborhood factors influence them.
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.
Avelina Rivero Avelina Rivero
- Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
- Ella/she/her/hers
- river896@umn.edu
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.
Kay Simon Kay Simon
- Assistant Professor
- they/them/theirs
- simo1253@umn.edu
Dr. Simon's research focuses on the narratives, identity development, future parenthood, and family experiences of marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ or BIPOC individuals, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Xiaoran Sun Xiaoran Sun
- Assistant Professor
- she/her/hers
- sunx0521@umn.edu
As a developmental and family psychologist, I conduct research on the interplay between family systems processes and well-being across adolescence and young adulthood.
Lindsey Weiler Lindsey Weiler
- Associate Professor
- she/her/hers
- 612-301-9345
- lmweiler@umn.edu
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.
