Research in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Auburn addresses the overarching theme of “Health and Well-Being Across the Lifespan.” These broad themes are reflected in faculty research agendas.
Research Themes
- Relationship education
- Sleep health
- Development of mental and physical health disparities
- Supports for military families and military family service professionals
- Early child development
- Responses to family and social stress
- Substance use and substance use prevention programs
- Parenting and parenting education programs
- Peer bullying and bullying prevention efforts
- Aging and well-being
- Health behaviors and illness in the context of couple and family relationships
The greatest lesson I have gained from the program so far is that mastering complex analytic approaches is a gradual process that requires actively engaging with the opportunities our department provides to develop these skills through practice, research, and teaching.
My favorite thing about the program is the diverse options we have. We have faculty with a variety of interests that span all ages throughout the lifespan. Right now, I am working on a grant project, which gives me a lot of unique experience in more of a non-academic area, which I never expected to find in a graduate program.
The program gave me the knowledge and hands on skills to turn research into real world impact. I developed expertise in program implementation, evaluation, data analysis, and evidence-based practice, which I now apply in my role as a Program Manager with the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama.
I appreciate the Human Development and Family Sciences program for its impressive breadth and depth. The high level of academic rigor is paired with wonderful support from my advisor and supervisors, allowing me to build a personalized research experience that I truly enjoy. Auburn continuously provides incredible opportunities for students, including diversity in work experience, conference travel, and project participation.
