T. Denny Sanford School of Social & Family Dynamics

09/10/2026

Meet Ruqaiyah, a family and human development graduate student and recipient of the Susan Coleman Scholarship.

Ruqaiyah's interest in dementia care is personal. Her experiences caring for her grandmother sparked an interest in how health affects families and relationships.

This perspective now informs Ruqaiyah's goal of working with older adults living with Alzheimer's and dementia while helping their families navigate care and connect with available resources.

Swipe to learn more about Ruqaiyah and her path at ASU ➡️

09/09/2026

Yoga, Pilates and... a longer life? 🧘

Sanford School Associate Professor Connor Sheehan and co-author Paul Espinoza examined 21 alternative health practices using data from more than 55,000 U.S. adults. Of all the practices studied, yoga and Pilates were the only two associated with a meaningfully lower risk of death.

Why might they stand out? Sheehan points to a mix of physical activity, strength and balance, stress reduction and even the social connection that can come with taking a class.

It's important to note, however, that the study found an association, not proof that yoga or Pilates cause people to live longer. But the findings offer a fascinating look at wellness practices.

Read more via ASU News: https://news.asu.edu/20260904-health-and-medicine-asu-researchers-find-yoga-and-pilates-associated-longer-lifespans

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

09/03/2026

Meet Sydni, a sociology major and recipient of the Monts Scholarship.

Curiosity about how people from different backgrounds experience the world led Sydni to sociology. Today, that curiosity continues to grow through an internship with the Mohave County Attorney's Office, where firsthand experience with the legal system is helping prepare for a future career in law.

After graduation, Sydni plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney, using a deeper understanding of people's experiences to help create thoughtful, informed solutions.

As a first-generation college student, receiving the Monts Scholarship has provided meaningful support while working toward that goal and serves as a reminder that others believe in the path ahead.

Swipe to learn more about Sydni and the experiences shaping the journey. ➡️

08/31/2026

Meet Alexis, a rising senior pursuing a triple major in psychology, family and human development, and political science, with a minor in sociology.

Alexis's research has ranged from projects on child welfare and public policy at the Sanford School to a study abroad internship in Mérida, Mexico. Working as a psychology intern at a local school supporting children with and without disabilities has deepened an understanding of inclusive education and strengthened Alexis's commitment to helping children and families thrive.

As the recipient of the Elizabeth A. Monts Memorial Scholarship, Alexis plans to continue building on those experiences while preparig for a career in public policy, human rights and child protection.

Swipe to learn more about Alexis's journey at ASU. ➡️

08/27/2026

One week down at the Child Development Lab! 🍎

Our students spent their first week settling in as they got to know new friends and explored their classrooms.

Here's to a year full of learning, play and discovery! 💛

08/26/2026

What happens when Sanford School sociologists get together with researchers from across the country? A lot of big questions get put on the table.

Our faculty, students and postdocs brought research on parenthood, immigration, citizenship, consumer culture, LGBTQ demography and more to the 2026 American Sociological Association Annual Meeting.

Swipe through for a look at the research, findings and conversations our sociologists contributed to this year's conference. ➡️

And congratulations to PhD student Sione Lynn Pili Lister, who received the 2026 ASA IPNN Dr. Dwanna Lynn McKay Emerging Scholar Award for Re-Indigenizing Sociology! 👏

We're proud to see so much Sanford School sociology represented at ASA.

08/25/2026

What makes a school feel safe?

Physical security is part of the answer, but Sanford School researchers Sarah Lindstrom Johnson and Anthony Peguero say students also need to feel accepted, supported and comfortable asking for help.

Through the SHARE Schools Initiative, the researchers are studying the many factors that contribute to school safety and student well-being, including relationships, school climate and students' sense of belonging.

In a new ASU News Q&A, they explain how schools can better understand whether students feel safe and use data to build healthier places to learn.

Read more:

School safety is a growing concern for many students and parents.According to the K–12 School Shooting Database, more than 230 incidents were recorded in 2025. At colleges and universities, the Violence Prevention Project identified 280 homicides from 2000 to 2025, resulting in 370 deaths and 272 ...

08/25/2026

We’re proud to share that Stephen Russell was featured on the Nurturing Minds podcast episode “Do they really know? Kids, sexual orientation, and the magic age of 10.”

In this thoughtful conversation, Stephen discusses how sexual orientation develops in kids and teens, why adult assumptions often miss the mark, and why family acceptance should be the baseline for every child.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ye1sHEEcXrEortFdQFMGc

08/24/2026

Years after graduation, some lessons from college have a way of sticking with us.

We asked Sanford School graduates to reflect on one lesson learned at ASU that has stayed with them, whether it changed the way they understand people, approach their work or see the world around them.

Swipe through to read their reflections.

If you're an SSFD alum, we'd love to hear from you: What's one lesson your degree taught you that has stayed with you?

Share your thoughts in our alumni survey: https://thesanfordschool.asu.edu/alumni-survey

08/20/2026

Welcome to Fall 2026! We hope your semester is off to a great start.