CSU Human Development & Family Studies

05/29/2026

Have you ever wondered about the impact of peer mentorship on college students? Just ask these three students in Human Development and Family Studies!

Led by Lucy Paltoo-Brady, the peer mentorship program has had a lasting impact and inspired mentees to become leaders themselves.

Ajaiye Mitchell signed up to be a mentor and was paired with Angel Hayden. Hayden found the experience so meaningful that she signed up to be a mentor when she was far enough along in the program. Now she mentors Ava Kidd.

Cheers to friendship and supporting one another! Read more about their impact here:
https://col.st/oc1v7

05/26/2026

Meet Grace Sjaastad, a standout student double-majoring in and , who also spent time with us as an HDFS Research Ram!

While the semester was in full swing, Grace gave us a glimspe of her journey, from innovative research with Dr. Jenn Finders in the PEACE Lab to Spanish practice sessions!

Congratulations, , on an incredible finish to your CSU adventure! 🎓

05/22/2026

RAMS Active!
Led by Colorado State University's CSUnified Program in collaboration with current and former CSU athletes, RAMS Active brings together athletes of all ages and abilities to gain confidence and empowerment through teamwork and physical activity.

Lots of fun was had. See even more pictures from the day: https://col.st/ns6rd

05/15/2026

Congratulations to outstanding grad, Beatriz Arenas!

Beatriz is a graduate in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Design Thinking at the Richardson Design Center. She's made it through lots of change and health issues and come out on top.

Congratulations, Beatriz! We can't wait to see what you do next!

Read more about Beatriz:
col.st/f6mzh

05/14/2026

Meet Averie Loma, an outstanding HDFS Ram Grad who is on her way to becoming a health professional 🎓🐏🩺

From mentee to lead mentor in our HDFS Peer Mentor Program, Averie is a proud first-generation college student who attributes and dedicates her work ethic to her supportive family!

We are so proud of you, Averie — you epitomize what it means to be outstanding. Keep making us proud as you continue to support communities through your advocacy, empathy, and responsive care 💚💛

05/12/2026

🎓Meet outstanding grad, Nick Bell 💚💛

A Fort Collins native, Nick always knew he wanted to be a therapist. He started his college journey by choosing a major that didn’t involve algebra, and that decision led him exactly where he was meant to be: Human Development and Family Studies.

After experiencing a tragic loss at a young age, Nick felt called to become a grief counselor. Through HDFS, he’s been able to turn that purpose into progress.

Nick is deeply involved across campus, serving with Campus Connections, the HEART Lab, Grieving Rams, the SAFE Center Victim Assistance Team, and 3 Hopeful Hearts. Along the way, he maintained an impressive 4.0 GPA throughout his entire undergraduate career.

Up next, Nick will continue his journey in the Marriage & Family Therapy master’s program in the HDFS department at CSU—furthering his commitment to helping others heal.

👏 Congratulations, Nick. Your CSU community is proud of you, and we can’t wait to see what you do next. 🐏

05/11/2026

04/30/2026

As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close we would like to highlight the amazing research of Anastasia Barrera, a Ph.D. Student. Her research focuses on the perspectives of college students with autism and their sense of support and belonging.

If you want to learn more about resources for autism the 20206 Fort Collins Autism Resource Fair is this Sunday at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Miranda Pinks, a doctoral student in Applied Development Science in Human Development and Family Studies! Miranda was selected as the UDP Graduate Scholarship recipient. We're celebrating her work as both a scholar and her many contributions to the Developmental Disabilities Research Laboratory!

The Developmental Disabilities Research Laboratory has conducted research for 25 years! Thank you to the families, students, collaborators, and community partners who have shaped this work over the years!

The DD Lab launched in 2001 and has grown into a vibrant, collaborative, national and cross-national effort focused on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through research, innovation, and inclusive programs.

The lab has been a part of projects like EXPO, CAPEabilities, OPTImal, the Birthday Study, and so much more. Team members like Miranda have made this work possible. Congrats, Miranda!

04/15/2026

This past weekend, Myah Luther, Lena Byrne, and Evelyn Park represented the College of Health and Human Sciences as Dean’s Ambassadors at the Special Olympics!

For Evelyn, building connections within the community was the highlight of the experience, and it’s one they’re eager to repeat next year.

Proud of our students for showing up, giving back, and leading with heart. 💚💛