Student Research Opportunities w/HDFS Faculty

Students can be involved in many different research projects sponsored by faculty in the Department of Human Development & Family Studies.

Faculty are engaged in research in the following areas:

Some examples of specific research projects include:

Dr. John Bishop’s research interests tend to focus in two areas: (1) issues related to the psychological needs of college students and (2) the organization and strategic planning activities for delivering mental health services on college and university campuses.

Dr. Chris Ohannessian is the Director of The Adolescent Adjustment Project (Website). This is an NIH-funded study designed to follow approximately 1,000 adolescents and their parents over time. The primary goal of the project is to examine factors (particularly family factors) that may protect some adolescents from developing problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, and alcohol/drug abuse). The study is in its 4th year. Working under the direction of Dr. Chris Ohannessian a student may work on the project for credit (e.g., an independent study), for salary (particularly in the summer), or through work-study (any time of year). Undergraduate students also may be involved in the project as a Summer Scholar student. Students also may base their honors thesis, Master’s thesis, or doctoral dissertation on the project. 

Drs. Martha Buell and Myae Han conduct research with the Early Literacy Project and the Kindergarden project. Early Literacy Project is designed to increase the language and literacy skills of Head Start Preschool children. Both undergraduate and graduate opportunities are available to work in language and literacy settings and gain experience working with children on literacy instruction. Research assistantships are available for graduate students to work as tutors and data collectors. Data analysis opportunities exist on a limited basis for qualified undergraduate and graduate students. The Kindergarten project has collected data on kindergarten programming and child outcomes. Data coding and analysis opportunities are available for qualified undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Han also has other research opportunities for independent study on children’s Play/Literacy and would welcome both undergraduate and graduate students to be involved in. She has several publications in preparation for students to join as a coauthor. Professor Buell has other research opportunities available for independent studies addressing child care quality and child care workforce issues.

Dr. Ruth Fleury-Steiner is engaged in research concerning intimate partner violence. She is currently a consultant on an evaluation of the domestic violence liaison program, which is a partnership between Child, Inc., S.A.F.E., and the State Division of Family Services.

Dr. Michael Ferrari's research interests include developmental and acquired disorders of the brain and their implications for daily living, education and rehabilitation. Current research projects include an investigation of the cognitive and emotional implications of stroke, and assessments of the impact of adult “learning disabilities”. A proposal is underway to provide an assessment of educational, vocational and community transition issues after traumatic brain injury and stroke. Students with some background and interests in these areas are welcome.

One of Dr. Rob Palkovitz’s many research studies is the “Early involvement of Fathers in Fragile Families- Long-term consequences.” This is a mixed methods study of unmarried, nonresidential men in poverty as they engage with their partner in prenatal involvement, early child involvement and ongoing relationships with their children. Outcomes for fathers, children and families followed across time. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to participate in the ongoing project.

Dr. Cynthia Paris is currently conducting research with novice and experienced preschool and primary teachers who act with agency in order to provide child-centered and family-responsive learning environments and experiences in settings that encourage standardization. What is learned from this research will inform the preparation and ongoing support of teachers of young children. Undergraduate and graduate students working on this research will have opportunities to learn the skills of qualitative interviewing, conduct interviews with novice and experienced teachers, and learn to analyze interview data.

Dr. Barbara H. Settles continues to be interested in diverse families, grandparenting/intergenerational relationships, health and family and sexual education and long term planning for family futures and has done projects with undergraduate students in recent semesters on these topics. Dr. Settles is currently preparing a study of the Groves Conference on Marriage and Family especially in shaping family studies and policy analysis with Dr. Roger Rubin of University of Maryland which will include chapters on specific family issues such as immigration, family policy, intergenerational relationships, alternative family forms and gender issues, family genetics, health and well being, peace and international issues and a bibliography of publications stemming from the conferences’ past 25 years. Both undergraduate and graduate student participation is invited for library research and possible presentation at the conference in June. Projects of student interests in these areas are welcome and some opportunities for international work can be made available.

Dr. Bahira Sherif Trask is currently working on a book on globalization and families. She is particularly fascinated by the varying international interpretations of women’s and children’s rights. Dr. Trask welcomes guiding students who are equally excited by studying the rapid changes affecting individuals and families from a cross-cultural perspective.

Dr. Donald Unger’s research focuses on the development and evaluation of family support and parent education programs. He has recently completed an empowerment evaluation project with Parents and Teachers. He is also involved in development and evaluating social and emotional learning programs that include teenagers and their families. Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to become involved in the social and emotional learning projects.