Human Development and Family Studies

NCFR Conference and Reception

Twenty-three Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) faculty and students attended the National Council on Family Relations in Fort Worth, Texas November 20 – 23. At the conference, both faculty and students presented their research to fellow colleagues and professionals in the field from across the country, exemplifying the ongoing work within the department and college.

This is an important national conference for HDFS faculty and students studying the broad topic of family dynamics and relationships. Involvement invites networking for possible research collaborations and allows for the sharing of the work we do in the department and the advancement of the scholarship and research going on in Human Development and Family Studies, the College of Human Sciences, and Texas Tech University.

Some of the presentation topics and focus areas presented by faculty and students included the areas of mental health, the effect of substance abuse among families, and the effect of economic pressure on the external behaviors in children. A full list of the presenters and their presentations can be viewed here. 

HDFS also sponsored the NCFR Newcomers Reception for the third consecutive year, which provides a chance for first-time attendees, as well as other scholars and professionals, to mingle. At the reception, HDFS Chairperson Ann Mastergeorge, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Trejos-Castillo, Ph.D., provided an overview and update of the Texas Tech HDFS programs.

In addition, HDFS held an alumni reception for HDFS alumni in the Metorplex area for a chance to connect and collaborate with other department alumni in their local area. Also in attendance were COHS Interim Dean Dr. Tim Dodd and Assistant Director of Development Johnny Fowler. The reception was open to local HDFS alumni as well as conference attendees with connections to Texas Tech HDFS as well as graduate students and faculty attending the conference.