Purdue University's Department of HDFS is a leader in the study of children and families across the life course. and Ph.D. levels.
The Department of Human Development and Family Science is widely regarded as a leader in the study of children and families. The department contributes to the well-being of individuals and families across the life course by generating knowledge; preparing graduates for research, teaching, leadership, and professional practice; and by strengthening the interconnections of research, practice, and po
06/03/2026
Kathryn Obenchain’s & Megan Purcell’s new book shows how to make developmentally appropriate: “Early Childhood Social Studies: Purpose, Content, and Methods from a Developmental Perspective.” Congratulations! 📖 https://ow.ly/Ifju50Z78NJ
05/18/2026
Congratulations to all of our HDFS Spring Awards Ceremony honorees! 🎉
We are so proud to celebrate the outstanding students, faculty, staff and community members whose hard work continues to make HDFS such a special place.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, including the families and friends who came out to celebrate these well-deserved accomplishments. Your encouragement means so much to our award winners and to our department.
Congratulations again to all! 💛🖤
05/07/2026
🎉 Congratulations to our HDFS award winners! We are so proud to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students, faculty, postdocs and research assistants this semester.
• Annabelle Atkin received a Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science.
• Amy Janis received the 2026 Focus Award. Among eight total winners, she was the only student selected for the honor.
• David Purpura received the Christian J. Foster Award.
• Kelsey Davison received the 2026 Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award.
• Natasha Watkins was welcomed as a Fellow into the Purdue University Teaching Academy.
• Laura Elenbaas received the Jean Piaget Society 2026 Early Career Award in Developmental Science.
• Doran French was selected as a 2026 International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development Fellow.
• Kristine Marceau received the Trailblazer Award, recognizing mid-career faculty whose recent scholarly or creative work demonstrates significant impact and distinction within the humanities, social sciences and information sciences.
• Sophie Miller received the Center for Families Studorschka Grant.
• Patrick Ehrman received the HDFS Outstanding Doctoral Student Award.
• Moon Durham-West received the HHS Outstanding Master’s Student Award.
• Social Development Lab RA Hannah Oyer, mentored by Chloe Kim, received a Presentation with High Distinction award from the Undergraduate Research Conference.
Some of these honorees, along with even more award winners, will be celebrated next Friday at the HDFS Spring Awards Ceremony. More to come!
Thanks for a great semester, HDFS! 💛🖤
04/29/2026
is live!
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Ben & Maxine Miller Child Development Lab School, we invite you to help shape the next 100 years of the school with a gift that will fuel hands-on learning, research and a place where children, students, and families grow together.
🎁 Give to MCDLS now: https://dayofgiving.purdue.edu/organizations/college-of-health-and-human-sciences
⚠️ Make sure to click on "Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Lab School" before giving.
04/27/2026
This Wednesday, April 29th, Purdue Day of Giving begins, and you can help shape the next 100 years of the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Lab School.
Your support fuels hands-on learning, groundbreaking research, and a place where children, students, and families grow together every day.
The day to give is this Wednesday, so be ready! Link in our bio.
Play isn’t just fun and games. It can also be how children learn best. 🧸✨
In this episode of Unlocking Childhood, we’re diving into the power of play and why it’s so essential for children’s development. Joined by expert guest Dr. Sarah Eason from Purdue University Department of Human Development and Family Science, this conversation breaks down how play supports everything from creativity to social skills, and how parents can be more intentional with it.
🧠 Expert insight.
👨👩👧 Real-world application.
🧒 Simple ways to encourage meaningful play.
Listen now to the latest episode of Unlocking Childhood, wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧
✨ New episodes drop every Wednesday. Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a conversation.
https://rss.com/podcasts/unlocking-childhood/
Ever wonder if your child is getting the nutrition they need? 🥦🍎
In the newest episode of Unlocking Childhood, we’re talking all things children’s nutrition. From navigating picky eating to building healthy habits that last, this conversation explores how families can support young children’s relationship with food. Joined by expert guest Kameron Moding from , along with two parent guests sharing their real-life experiences, this episode dives into what balanced nutrition looks like for young children.
🧠 Expert insight.
👨👩👧 Real parent perspectives.
🥗 Practical strategies you can try at home.
Listen now to the newest episode of Unlocking Childhood, wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧
✨ New episodes every Wednesday! Don’t forget to follow so you never miss a conversation.
03/06/2026
We are proud to celebrate our very own Amy Janis for being named a Focus Award recipient during Indiana’s Disability Awareness Month!
The Focus Awards recognize members of the Purdue University community who have made outstanding contributions to advancing disability accessibility, and Amy’s dedication to creating more inclusive and accessible spaces reflects the heart of our HDFS mission.
Congratulations, Amy! We are proud of the impact you are making at Purdue and beyond. 💛🖤
03/02/2026
In Episode 1 of Unlocking Childhood, we’re talking all things children’s sleep, including one of the most common questions parents ask and the research behind it.
🎧 Episode 1: Children’s Sleep is now streaming wherever you get your podcasts.
✨ New episodes of Unlocking Childhood drop every Wednesday.