College of Education and Human Development

Family Social Science

Resilience in families and communities

Understanding how individuals and families navigate and adapt to challenging circumstances in order create strategies and develop interventions to enhance their well-being. Examining 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.

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.

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bryant

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.

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

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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