Our researchers are dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of all children and youth, which lays the foundation for health and well-being over many decades of adult life.

Faculty focus on the critical roles that social policies, families, educational settings, and communities play in promoting positive early child and youth development.

Child-focused researchers study self-regulation, early education and readiness for school, parenting styles and behaviors, housing, and poverty.

Faculty also have expertise in improving quality of life through physical activity and motor skill development and providing those with developmental and acquired disabilities equitable access to play and mobility, including toy- and game-based technologies.

Because youth is a critical period connecting childhood and adulthood, faculty focus on healthy and risky behaviors of teens and young adults.

For example, some study behaviors such as safer sexual activity (e.g., preventing sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, promoting sexual health for LGBTQ+ individuals, treating hepatitis C) and substance use (e.g., vaping and smoking, marijuana, misuse of prescription stimulants or opioids).

Others focus on leadership development, social belonging/isolation, and healthy relationships with peers and partners.