Purdue University Department of Human Development and Family Science

10/23/2026

Interested in earning a PhD in Human Development and Family Science? Discover what makes Purdue HDFS a place to grow, connect and make an impact. 🖤💛

Join us for our Virtual Graduate Program Open House on Nov. 2 from 5–6 p.m. EST to learn more about our curriculum, explore faculty research interests, and connect directly with faculty and current graduate students.

In HDFS, we study human development and families in real-world contexts through interdisciplinary research that spans the lifespan and explores areas including culture, early childhood education and care, health and well-being, interpersonal relationships, and military families.

If you’re considering graduate study and want to learn more about the opportunities available in our department, this is a great place to start!

🔗 Register now at the link in our bio.

10/22/2026

Our very own Elliot Friedman, Professor of Gerontology, was featured in The New York Times, sharing insights from his research on the relationship between purpose and cognitive health.

In the article, “Is Retirement Unhealthy? It Depends,” researchers explore how social connections, meaningful activities, and maintaining a sense of purpose can influence our health as we age. Research suggests that staying engaged and finding purpose in later life may play an important role in supporting healthy aging and slowing cognitive decline.

🔗 Read what Dr. Friedman had to say: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/16/well/longevity-retirement-health.html?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

10/21/2026

Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, professor and director of Purdue’s Military Family Research Institute, will participate in an Oct. 21 roundtable hosted by the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

10/20/2026

JOIN US THIS FRIDAY! 📣

Meet some of the talented HDFS students taking the spotlight at this Friday’s Say It BIG Elevator Pitch Showcase FINAL ROUND! 🌟

Join us as our students share their innovative ideas, showcase their creativity, and put their communication skills to the test!

📅 THIS FRIDAY! OCTOBER 23rd
⏰ 1:30-2:30 PM
📍 Meredith South, Room 1063

We want YOU in the audience! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Let’s pack the room, cheer on our students, and give them the support they deserve! 👏

10/16/2026

Yesterday afternoon, the Purdue Center for Early Learning hosted a wonderful panel discussion highlighting the importance of meaningful research-to-practice partnerships in early childhood education.

A special thank you to our incredible panelists, Edie Dobrez, Grace Labi, Haley Grizzle, Marra Honeywell, Susan Foutz, and Tammey Lindblom, for sharing their valuable insights on strengthening community collaboration and creating lasting impacts across Indiana and beyond!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging discussion. We look forward to the exciting opportunities and partnerships ahead!

10/15/2026

As we celebrate 100 years of the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory School, we need YOUR help to give our youngest learners the playground they deserve! 🛝

Our children are in need of new, safe, and engaging playground equipment, and every donation goes directly toward making this project a reality!

🌱 No gift is too small. Together, we can create an outdoor space where children can learn, grow, and play for years to come!

Join us in making a difference and share with as many people as you can! 💛

🔗 Donate now: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/PurdueUniversity/100-years-of-wonder-building-the-next-century-of-play-at-the-miller-child-development-laboratory-school

10/02/2026

The 2026 Purdue United Way campaign is officially underway!👏

Together, we’re working toward a $700,000 goal to support local nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families across our community. 🏠

Every contribution helps local organizations provide food, housing, mental health services, literacy programs, support for seniors and people with disabilities, and so much more.

Learn more and participate:

Purdue and United Way share a rich history. Be part of the legacy. Visit our campaign hub to give today and support our community.

09/29/2026

What if a child’s resistance to math has less to do with the math itself and more to do with the experiences, emotions, and messages surrounding it? 🤔

Last spring, Professor Sarah Eason joined the 90-Minute School Day Podcast to discuss how family interactions can shape children’s early math development and how math anxiety can be communicated in ways parents may not even realize.

During the conversation, Dr. Eason shares what research tells us about how early math anxiety can begin, what math learning can look like beyond worksheets and formal lessons, and the everyday behaviors that can help children build confidence with math.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://90minuteschoolday.com/math-anxiety-neurodivergent-kids-sarah-eason/

09/04/2026

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Miller Child Development Lab School (MCDLS), three members of our department wrote a commemorative book. 📖

Written by Elizabeth Schlesinger-Devlin, David Purpura, and Reyn Smith, this new book brings together a century of stories, photographs, and milestones that have shaped the Lab School and the generations of children, families, teachers, faculty, and staff who have been part of its history.

📚 Purchase the book today: https://www.press.purdue.edu/9781626714595/

08/13/2026

What’s the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever received, and actually used? 👀

At the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Unlocking Childhood hosts Kelsie Muller and German Posada asked real parents to share the advice that has stuck with them through the everyday ups and downs of raising kids. 🎡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Listen to Season 1 of Unlocking Childhood wherever you get your podcasts and be on the lookout this Fall for Season 2!

Purdue University Health and Human Sciences Extension Purdue Extension