Human Development and Family Sciences
Research Areas
Interdisciplinary fields such as HDFS are ideally suited to address the grand challenges and big debates that affect every citizen of our world. We have nationally and internationally renowned faculty engaged in research on child development, early care programs, systems and policy, early literacy, the relationship between poverty, development and family functioning, domestic violence and the legal system, globalization, food insecurity, stigma, health, and many other family and community related topics.
Importantly, their expertise is not just situated in lab-based research settings: instead, they work in local and global communities and bring their experiences to the classroom on a daily basis. See how we’re making a difference in the world.
News
Doctoral student supports youth with foster care experience, drawing on personal experience and strengths of UD’s program December 16, 2025 As a young person with experience in the foster care system, University of Delaware graduate student William Woe …
Associate Professor Ann M. Aviles shares guidance for supporting students experiencing homelessness December 18, 2025 During the 2022-23 school year, the state of Delaware identified more than 4,400 students who lack a fixed, regular and adequate night …
Assistant Professors Eric Layland and Brittany Zakszeski share guidance for parents, teachers and school leaders October 10, 2025 During adolescence—a period defined by rapid physical, emotional and social development—LGBTQ+ youth often grapple with th …