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.

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! 🎓

RAMS Active!Led by Colorado State University's CSUnified Program in collaboration with current and former CSU athletes, ...
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

Congratulations to outstanding grad, Beatriz Arenas!Beatriz is a graduate in Human Development and Family Studies with a...
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

Meet Averie Loma, an outstanding HDFS Ram Grad who is on her way to becoming a health professional 🎓🐏🩺From mentee to lea...
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 💚💛

🎓Meet outstanding grad, Nick Bell 💚💛A Fort Collins native, Nick always knew he wanted to be a therapist. He started his ...
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. 🐏

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