https://cehhs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/index.xmlAll news articles from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University.https://templateresources.usu.edu/_resources/assets/images/U-State.pnghttps://cehhs.usu.edu/en-usNewshttps://cehs.usu.edu/news/2026/aryn-dotterer-gear-up.phpAryn Dotterer, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) and executive director of USU STARS GEAR UP at Utah State University, is working to help 6,000+ under-resourced middle school students across Utah attend collWednesday, 22 April 2026https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2026/nih-scholar-to-support-dementia-caregivers.phpBeth Fauth, Ph.D., professor and director of the state-funded Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center, has been selected as a scholar in the NIA IMPACT Collaboratory, an initiative of the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute oWednesday, 1 April 2026https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2025/eight-cehs-scholars-ranked-top-two-percent-globally.phpElsevier Research, a research and global technology company, works with universities around the world to gather and share important research discoveries. Based on Elsevier’s analysis, in 2024, eight faculty members from the Emma Eccles Jones College of EdTuesday, 16 December 2025https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/initiative-aims-to-build-community-network-for-dementia-support-across-utah.phpThe Dementia Resource Ambassador program, led by the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center (ADRC) and the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) at Utah State University, is being launched in collaboration with the Utah chWednesday, 10 December 2025https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2025/study-abroad-2025.phpThis summer, undergraduate and graduate students in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU participated in a variety of study abroad programs that took them around the world to Jönköping, Sweden, the Republic of Fiji, and theThursday, 7 August 2025https://www.usu.edu/today/story/adrc-director-partners-with-small-business-to-develop-early-dementia-screening-testProfessor Elizabeth “Beth” Fauth was recognized as one of Utah Business magazine’s “30 Women to Watch” in May. Fauth is the director of the state-funded Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center (ADRC)Wednesday, 18 June 2025https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/hdfs-spotlight-natalie-olsen.phpNatalie Olsen’s long-term interest in human development and mental health, led her to USU’s Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) degree. Tuesday, 8 April 2025https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2025/collegiate-sport.phpTravis Dorsch, associate professor in Human Development and Family Studies at USU, is passionate about the research he and his doctoral students have been conducting for a contract they were awarded from Lasso Safe, a non-profit global coalition working tWednesday, 19 February 2025https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/hdsf-student-highlight-estee-squires.phpAs a 2023 graduate of the Utah State University HDFS program, Estee says that choosing this major has been invaluable in her career and as a mother. Thursday, 23 January 2025https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/hdfs-student-spotlight-diana-escobar.phpDiana switched majors multiple times throughout her academic journey, exploring various fields for the best fit. However, she repeatedly found herself drawn back to her passion for fostering healthy relationships and supporting her community. Wednesday, 15 January 2025https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/undergraduates-participate-in-research.phpParticipation in research as an undergraduate student in the HDFS department is an opportunity for growth and real-world impact. Lindy Strand and Abby Julian presented at the Fall Student Research Symposium on Thursday, December 5, and both note how meaniFriday, 6 December 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/hdfs-student-spotlight-carol-godfrey-hancock.phpCarol Godfrey Hancock is a 2023 graduate in the Utah State University HDFS program. Her journey to choosing this degree began with a desire to find a career in which she could work with people. She discovered that with a HDFS degree, she could pursue a Friday, 15 November 2024https://www.usu.edu/today/story/adrc-director-partners-with-small-business-to-develop-early-dementia-screening-testStawski is an interdisciplinary developmental health researcher whose research is focused on understanding the social, psychological and biological underpinnings of mental, physical and cognitive health in the context of adult development and aging.Thursday, 7 November 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2024/sibling-rivalry.phpProfessor of Human Development and Family Studies, and associate dean in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Shawn Whiteman has spent the past 25 years researching the relationships between siblings. Friday, 6 September 2024https://www.usu.edu/today/story/adrc-director-partners-with-small-business-to-develop-early-dementia-screening-testFriendships are vital to our lives, providing support, companionship and joy. However, the boundaries between friendship and romance can sometimes blur, creating a slippery slope that can lead to wrecked relationships, heartache and regret.Friday, 21 June 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2024/scot-allgood-retirement.phpScot Allgood, department head and professor of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (CEHS), has recently announced his retirement from Utah State University. Allgood has been a marriaFriday, 31 May 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-rachel-hollingsworth.phpRachel Hollingsworth graduated from the HDFS program in May 2020. Drawn to the program's focus on human development and family dynamics, Rachel found her passion in supporting others' growth and development. Friday, 19 April 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-julie-herdt.phpJulie's passion for HDFS blossomed after taking an introductory class. Inspired by her experience working with children with autism, she dedicated herself to learning how to best serve their needs.Monday, 15 April 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-kami-mauldin.phpKami, a proud graduate of the HDFS program in 2022, has found her calling as an Early Childhood Consultant at The Children's Center Utah.Tuesday, 2 April 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2024/education-through-play.phpThe Child Development Lab in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is arguably among the most coveted early-childhood programs for Cache Valley families. Since it began in the 1940s, it is estimated that the lab has educated more tWednesday, 6 March 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-katie-and-michael-king.phpKatie and Michael King both completed the HDFS undergraduate program in 2015, and Michael later completed a master’s degree (2017) and PhD (2023). The Kings exemplify the transformative impact of their education in their respective careers.Friday, 1 March 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2024/Kaufusi-drafted-to-NWSL.phpKelsey Kaufusi, a Human Development and Family Studies undergraduate in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU, became the first-ever Utah State Aggie to be selected in the National Women’s Soccer League draft in January 2024Wednesday, 28 February 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-brenna-merrill.phpBrenna Merrill is an HDFS graduate making a difference in global humanitarian efforts as a Data Analyst for the Humanitarian Division of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wednesday, 14 February 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-mckenzie-walsh.phpMcKenzie Walsh, a 2017 HDFS graduate, has embarked on a fulfilling career as a Certified HUD Housing Counselor at USU Extension in Salt Lake County. Drawing on the comprehensive knowledge gained from completing the family finance emphasis, McKenzie dedicaThursday, 8 February 2024https://www.usu.edu/today/story/adrc-director-partners-with-small-business-to-develop-early-dementia-screening-testA partnership between researchers and an innovative business are working to improve early dementia detection with a simple, noninvasive motor test. The test has already been shown to detect neuropathology and neurodegeneration in older adults who exhibit Wednesday, 7 February 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-carmelita-salas.phpCarmelita Salas works with the Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation in the Owner Builder program and plays a crucial role in guiding families through the process of building their homes. Friday, 26 January 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-leslie-buxton.phpMeet Leslie Buxton, a 2013 graduate of Utah State University's HDFS department, whose journey over the past eleven years reflects the versatile and impactful nature studying human development and family relationships. Tuesday, 16 January 2024https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alumni-spotlight-brittany-homer.phpBrittany has co-founded Project STAND, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing exploitation by empowering youth and parents to navigate technology responsibly. Thursday, 11 January 2024https://www.usu.edu/today/story/ask-an-expert--four-relationship-resolutions-to-add-spark-to-the-new-yearAt the beginning of the year, many people reflect on the previous year and anticipate the year ahead. Now is the perfect time to make “relationship resolutions” to become a better spouse or partner. Consider these tips to become better together in 2024Tuesday, 2 January 2024https://utahstatemagazine.usu.edu/extension/insideout-dad-program-provides-second-chances-for-utahs-incarcerated/Brian Higginbotham, a USU professor in the Human Development and Family Studies Department has devoted years of his research and studies to bringing the InsideOut Dad program to jails and state correctional facilities throughout Utah.Thursday, 14 December 2023https://utahstatemagazine.usu.edu/dissected/the-science-behind-service-exploring-the-psychology-of-selfless-acts/The Science Behind Service: Exploring the Psychology of Selfless Acts. USU assistant professor Andy Harris hopes to shed light on key factors that contribute to our sense of social responsibility.Tuesday, 12 December 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/usus-hdfs-students-have-the-opportunity-to-participate-in-a-practivum-at-agencies-within-the-community.phpUSU’s HDFS students get the opportunity to participate in a practicum at agencies within the community to help them refine their career interests based on their aptitudes and interests. Tuesday, 24 October 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/untitled.phpDuring Utah State University’s latest Blue Plate Research presentation, Elizabeth Fauth reminded the audience of the ubiquity of dementia.Thursday, 12 October 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2023/mft-program-expands-community-access-to-clinical-services.phpRyan Seedall, newly appointed director of the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program, shares how USU prepares future clinicians for successful careers while helping community members access affordable clinical therapy and mental health services.Friday, 6 October 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/alzheimers-disease-and-dementia-research-center-celebrates-first-anniversary.phpAs Elizabeth Fauth, professor of Human Development and Family Studies at USU, began working on a collaborative effort to pursue state funding for a research center focusing on Alzheimer’s disease and dementiaThursday, 3 August 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/highlighting-tasha-howard.phpTasha Howard is an Extension Assistant Professor and completed both a bachelor’s and master’s degree with the HDFS department. She has created new and innovative programs for both Idaho and Utah, and taught thousands of community members, presented at locThursday, 27 April 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/highlighting-lucas-martin.phpWhen Lucas Martin learned about the emphasis in Family Finance in the HDFS department, he loved the idea of “empowering others to make positive changes in their personal finances.” He quickly decided it was a good fit for him. Thursday, 13 April 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/highlighting-sabrina-trimble.phpSabrina Trimble is a Global Outreach Strategist for Saprea, a nonprofit organization that helps liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. Sabrina was involved in the HDFS department as an Undergraduate Teaching FellFriday, 7 April 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/identifying-stress-in-dementia-caregivers.phpOn a research journey inspired by her family's experience with Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Research Center faculty affiliate Yin Liu uses biological markers to study stress in individuals who care for loved ones with dementia.Tuesday, 28 March 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/highlightin-kimra-ross.phpKimra Ross is one of our Human Development and Family Studies statewide graduates (2017) who found a fulfilling career while completing her practicum experience at Prime Time 4 Kids in Vernal, Utah. Tuesday, 28 March 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/highlighting-amanda-christensen.phpAmanda Christensen graduated from the HDFS department in 2008 with an emphasis in Family Finance. She also completed a Master’s degree from the department in 2010. Amanda is currently an Extension Professor with Utah State University specializing in perThursday, 23 March 2023https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2023/02/21/research-explains-how-our-teenage-templates-of-love-affect-us-as-adults/?sh=592850a25bc5HDFS researchers Kay Bradford and Brian Higginbotham are studying teens' relationship styles to identify how relationship education can help adolescents build healthier current and future relationships.Wednesday, 22 February 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/highlightingemilypittmendoza.phpWe are excited to highlight Emily Pitt Mendoza! Emily graduated in 2013 from the Human Development and Family Studies department, Logan campus, and currently works as an elementary school counselor. Part of her work includes teaching curriculum-based sociFriday, 17 February 2023https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2022/shawn-whiteman-recieves-nih-grant.phpShawn Whiteman recently received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how pandemic-induced challenges for families might impact adolescent development, especially with regard to substance use.Tuesday, 29 November 2022https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/working-to-develop-programs-and-improve-lives-of-indigenous-adolescent-mothers-and-their-children-in-ecuador.phpWorking Collaboratively to Develop Programs and Improve Lives of Indigenous Adolescent Mothers and Their Children in EcuadorTuesday, 1 November 2022https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/merging-art-and-hdfs.php In July 2022, the new Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center (ADRD) opened at Utah State University. To commemorate the opening, ADRD Director and HDFS Professor Beth Fauth wanted to create art that could be used in the new center offices (EDUCTuesday, 1 November 2022https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2022/travis-dorsch-naspspa-early-career-award.phpDr. Travis Dorsch, who was honored with the Early Career Distinguished Scholar Award from the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity, spoke at the Society's annual conference this summer.Thursday, 15 September 2022https://cehs.usu.edu/news/2022/scot-allgood-uamft-lifetime-achievement.phpIn recognition of a long career of contributions to the field of marriage and family therapy, Dr. Scot Allgood was presented with the Utah Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's lifetime achievement award at their Spring conference.Wednesday, 25 May 2022https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/one-of-the-largest-research-faculty-in-eejcehs.phpThe Human Development and Family Studies department has one of the largest research faculty in USU’s College of Education and Human Services. Our students get to know who we are and what we’re passionate about by taking our graduate and undergraduate clasWednesday, 13 April 2022https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/self-check-up.phpOftentimes as parents or partners, we find ourselves so concerned for those we love, so instinctively desirous for their well-being, that we neglect ourselves in order to care for them.Friday, 25 March 2022https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/are-you-sleeping.phpWhile the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged many of our lives, one thing we can do to help stay healthy is to have a good night sleep. Sleep is the one activity we spend most of our life doing, compared to working, eating, and school. Wednesday, 16 February 2022https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/accredited-financial-counseling-program.phpThe Family Finance program in the HDFS department prepares students to take the Accredited Financial Counseling (AFC) exam through the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). Every year, AFCPE has a symposium and students are Friday, 10 December 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/balancing-work-and-family.phpThe USU Human Development and Family Studies department (HDFS) offers many valuable General Education courses; in particular, the Balancing Work and Family Course (HDFS 1010).Monday, 29 November 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/employment-opportunities-benefit-undergraduate-practicum-students.phpMany have noted changes in the employment sector in the last year or so, with many companies seeming to be short staffed. This appears to be the case in the professional helping field in northern Utah.Tuesday, 23 November 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/the-postdocs-of-healthy-relationships.phpHealthy Relationships Utah, directed by Dr. Brian Higginbotham, offers free research-based relationship education courses throughout the state. Friday, 19 November 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/working-with-your-academic-advisor.phpAt USU we have people specifically designated to answer undergraduate students’ questions about courses, programs, graduation requirements, majors, minors, and more. Monday, 1 November 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/legislature-moves-utah-marriage-commission.phpFor more than two decades, the Utah Marriage Commission has been providing relationship and marriage education classes, conferences and other resources to countless Utahns.Tuesday, 26 October 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/college-student-parents-juggle-family-and-school.phpUSU Wide Receiver, Deven Thompkins, recently shared his experience of being a USU football star and father (USU Statesmen, 2021).Friday, 22 October 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/faculty-discuss-research-on-podcast.phpWhat do HDFS faculty researchers actually do? Presented by Utah State University’s Office of Research, Wyatt Traughber, M.A., learns just this as he interviews four HDFS faculty as part of an ongoing podcast series on the research being conducted at USU.Tuesday, 19 October 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/diversity.phpYet when I arrived here at Utah State University 10 years ago, that’s where I found myself: teaching undergraduates about diversity. My sense of inadequacy was through the roof.Friday, 7 May 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/an-incomplete-list-of-resources.phpEarly in my graduate career, a faculty member recommended me to add the book The professor is in (TPII) to my reading list. TPII offers helpful insight on how to navigate the academic career from step one - building strong records as a graduate student.Tuesday, 6 April 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/perinatal-anxiety-and-depression-in-pandemic.phpGiving birth to my first child during the height of the pandemic, the end of April 2020, was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I study the prevention of perinatal (pregnancy and postpartum) mental health disorders as a researcher here at Utah State in Monday, 8 March 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/marriage-and-family-therapy-conference.phpTo be accepted to present at the annual conference for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is a great honor. Originally, I was not planning to present when COVID-19 restrictions caused the 2020 AAMFT conference to move to an onThursday, 11 February 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/fatherhood-and-relationship-education-grant.phpUtah State University was recently awarded two $5 million grants from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Family Assistance. Both grants will be distributed over a five-year period and will fund fatherhood and relationship education Thursday, 14 January 2021https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/applying-to-graduate-programs.phpI was the first in my immediate family to apply to graduate school, and the first in my extended family to aim for a PhD. I knew I wanted to study peer relations among adolescents, and that I was drawn toward quantitative methods and meta-analysis.Tuesday, 8 December 2020https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/writing-with-young-coauthors.phpAs a recognized name in youth sport parenting research, I often get cold-called (or cold-emailed) with a request to contribute to a journal, volume, or book, in my area of expertise. This is not an uncommon occurrence, and I’m sure my colleagues field sucWednesday, 21 October 2020https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/practicum-experiences-within-HDFS.phpThe practicum experience within the Human Development and Family Studies department is designed to be a step that bridges a student's transformation from a purely academic approach to the human services field to participation in the field, under the superFriday, 21 February 2020https://cehs.usu.edu/hdfs/news/sibling-rivalry.phpProfessor of Human Development and Family Studies, and associate dean in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Shawn Whiteman has spent the past 25 years researching the relationships between siblings.