CSU Human Development & Family Studies

CSU Human Development & Family Studies Examining human development across the lifespan of families, schools, communities, and culture.

Our mission is to generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge about human development across the lifespan, in the context of family, culture, and society. Our goal is to use this knowledge to help resolve societal and developmental challenges faced by children, families, and our aging population and to promote optimal development and opportunities for all. Students in our program have the chance to learn human development and family studies from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Meet Ash Clark, a stellar Human Development and Family Studies Ram with a knack for making connections 💚🐏💛After taking H...
10/01/2026

Meet Ash Clark, a stellar Human Development and Family Studies Ram with a knack for making connections 💚🐏💛

After taking HDFS 101 as an elective during her first year and discovering the Prevention & Intervention concentration, Ash found her home. Since then, she's become an active and engaged member of the HDFS community. Get to know Ash in this Q&A 👇

Q: What does HDFS mean to you?
A: From the moment I became an HDFS student, I realized it was much more than just a field of study. What stands out the most is the incredible staff and students, whose genuine care for one another creates an amazing environment. Every person I've encountered within the department has been so kind and respectful, making the learning atmosphere truly enjoyable, and something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Q: How have you gotten more involved with HDFS
A: I have been apart of CSU's program, Campus Connections, for the past 5 semesters now, and this is my second semester serving as Thursday night's Lead Mentor Coach. I have always known I wanted to work with youth, but I didn't know exactly how I wanted to work with them, and CC answered that for me! I also serve as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, and Research Assistant.

Q: What communities or groups of people do you hope to impact after graduation and in your career?
A: I hope that I can create an impact for teens, and families in need after I graduate. I hope that I can foster a friendly and positive environment that promotes resilience within couples and families.

We had a blast at the CSU Early Childhood Center Lab School Fair! This was a great chance to get to know the partnership...
09/14/2026

We had a blast at the CSU Early Childhood Center Lab School Fair! This was a great chance to get to know the partnerships that make our Lab School unique! 🏫

From educators and families to students and researchers, the fair highlighted the collaborative environment that supports young learners every day. We’re grateful for everyone who helps make this vibrant learning community possible. ✨

A Colorado State University professor with the university’s Prevention Research Center recently returned from a two-week...
09/10/2026

A Colorado State University professor with the university’s Prevention Research Center recently returned from a two-week trip to Indonesia where he delivered talks and workshops to students and public health professionals about prevention science.

Professor Emeritus David MacPhee in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies hosted a young Indonesian clinical child psychologist named Sarah Saragih at CSU last November. Saragih received funding for the visit as part of a fellowship with the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.

Not only did YSEALI’s Professional Fellows Program Reciprocal Project pay for Saragih’s monthlong trip to Fort Collins and CSU, it also paid for MacPhee to visit Indonesia last month. The initiative is operated by the U.S. Department of State and was created in 2013 to build leadership skills and networking among those between the ages of 18 and 35.

Read more about the trip! https://col.st/ng8e6

09/08/2026

Now it’s time to meet this year’s HDFS Peer Mentors 💚💛🐏

HDFS Peer Mentors help incoming first-generation students and students who have experienced barriers to educational success navigate their transition to college. Through personalized support, shared experiences, and a strong sense of community, peer mentors help students build confidence, find resources, and feel connected throughout their first year at CSU. 🐏

The Colorado State University Developmental Disabilities Research Lab in the Department of Human Development and Family ...
09/04/2026

The Colorado State University Developmental Disabilities Research Lab in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies received funding for two new projects from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development totaling more than $5 million to advance research supporting the development of executive function in young children with Down syndrome.

Read more here: https://col.st/likjj

09/01/2026

Meet this year’s HDFS peer advisors💚💛🐏

HDFS Peer Advisors work closely with our advising team to support students as they navigate the major, connect with campus resources, and get involved in the HDFS community. Their peer-to-peer perspective helps students feel welcomed, supported, and set up for success. 🐏💛

Healing from trauma takes support, connection, and access to care. The Family Resilience Center at CSU Spur delivers exa...
07/10/2026

Healing from trauma takes support, connection, and access to care. The Family Resilience Center at CSU Spur delivers exactly that 💛

Recent recipients of a $283K grant from the Caring for Denver Foundation, the FRC - part of the CSU Trauma and Resilience Assessment Center - is ready to expand their trauma-informed services for Denver youth and families.

The funding will help the center reach more young people experiencing challenges related to poverty, unstable family environments, and other traumatic experiences. It will also support the addition of a bilingual clinician to better serve the surrounding community.

Beyond providing care, the center also gives CSU students hands-on learning experiences that prepare the next generation of mental health professionals!

Learn more about how the FRC helps families thrive at the link in the CSU Health & Human Sciences bio 🔗

06/18/2026

Meet HDFS Colorado State University Research Ram and recent grad, Reese 🤝🐏

This past semester, Reese took us along on her day where she gave us a fun glimpse of what it’s like to be an HDFS student and an undergraduate researcher with the Developmental Disabilities Research Lab at CSU team!

We wish you the best as you embark on your next chapter, Reese! We know you’ll make us proud 🎓🥲

Have you ever wondered about the impact of peer mentorship on college students? Just ask these three students in Human D...
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! 🎓

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