Faculty Research
Human Development faculty conduct research on topics related to child development, adolescence, families, aging, health, culture, migration, equity, and social justice. Students interested in gaining research experience are encouraged to explore faculty research interests and connect with faculty whose work aligns with their academic and career goals.
Research Opportunities for Students
Getting involved in faculty research can help students build skills in critical thinking, data collection, analysis, writing, teamwork, and professional communication. Research experience is also valuable preparation for graduate school, internships, and careers in education, health, social services, nonprofit work, public policy, and community-based organizations.
Students may be able to participate in research through volunteer research assistant positions, independent study, course-based research projects, honors projects, or other faculty-led opportunities.
How to Get Involved
Students interested in research are encouraged to:
- Review the faculty research areas listed below.
- Identify faculty whose interests connect with their own academic or career goals.
- Contact faculty directly to ask about current or future research opportunities.
- Prepare a brief message explaining their interests, relevant coursework, availability, and goals.
- Explore campus research programs and resources that support undergraduate research.
Faculty Research Areas
Faculty in this area study child development, adolescence, parenting, families, education, and the social contexts that shape development.
Faculty:
- Christine El Ouardani
- Lauren Heidbrink
- Kimberly R. Kelly
- H. Isabella Lanza
- Beth Manke
- Heather Rae-Espinoza
- Samiha Rahman
Faculty in this area examine aging, adulthood, lifespan development, memory, identity, and well-being across the life course.
Faculty:
- Sandra P. Arévalo
- Shelley Eriksen
- Claudia Huang
- Beth Manke
- Emily Schryer
Faculty in this area study health, health disparities, mental health, community well-being, prevention, and health across the lifespan.
Faculty:
- Sandra P. Arévalo
- Shelley Eriksen
- H. Isabella Lanza
- Christine El Ouardani
- Samiha Rahman
- Emily Schryer
Faculty in this area explore culture, migration, identity, globalization, and human development across diverse communities.
Faculty:
- Christine El Ouardani
- Lauren Heidbrink
- Heather Rae-Espinoza
- Samiha Rahman
- Claudia Huang
- Kristy Shih
Faculty in this area investigate inequality, social justice, community engagement, identity, and systems that shape opportunity, learning, and well-being.
Faculty:
- Samiha Rahman
- Shelley Eriksen
- Sandra P. Arévalo
- Kimberly Kelly
- Ann Y. Kim
- Kristy Shih
- Lauren Heidbrink
- Heather Rae-Espinoza
Faculty:
- Ann Y. Kim
- Beth Manke
- Kimberly R. Kelly
- Samiha Rahman
- Kristy Shih
Recent Faculty and Student Research Highlights
The HDEV Research and Internship Showcase provides an exciting opportunity for students to present their research to the HDEV community.
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Faculty Publications with Students
Heidbrink, L., Barillas Chón, D., & Batz, G. (2024). Family separation under zero tolerance. Maya America.
Lopez, C., Kelly, K., Maloles, C., Avila, K.,* & Nolasco, C. (2024). Critical approaches to mentorship: Creating access and equity for undergraduate student engagement. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education.
Kelly, K. R., Maloles, C., George, N., Mokatish, S., & Neves, S. (2024) Talking about “bioluminescence” and “puppies of the ocean”: An anti-deficit exploration of how families create and use digital artifacts for informal science learning during and after an aquarium visit. Science Education.
