Get the latest HDFS Buzz!
Get the latest HDFS Buzz!
Texas Tech Human Development and Family Studies Newsletter
Welcome
Welcome to HDFS Buzz, the newsletter of the Texas Tech University Department of Human Development and Family Studies. As we ring in a new year, we look forward to welcoming in a new wave of accomplishments in the spring semester. Our alumni are making an impact in the lives of children and families. Graduate students are presenting their research both nationally and internationally. Learn more about doctoral student Ivette Noriega’s international presentation in a story below.
Timely and important research by Assistant Professor Dr. Dana Weiser was spotlighted by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). You will read more about how Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec recently visited the Christine DeVitt and Helen DeVitt Jones Child Development Research Center for a delightful read aloud in one of their preschool classrooms. 
Please learn more about our programs by checking out our department website at www.hdfs.ttu.edu and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Thank you for taking the time to read about the latest news in Human Development and Family Studies. Stay tuned for the next issue of HDFS Buzz slated for May. I encourage you to send us your latest news and accomplishments to share with the HDFS community.
Ann M. Mastergeorge, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Rockwell Endowed Professor
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
College of Human Sciences
National Council on Family Relations Conference
HDFS faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate members of the Texas Tech Council on Family Relations student organization attended the National Council on Family Relations annual conference November 6-10. The department sponsored the Newcomers Welcome Reception and presented department highlights at the University Reception. Several faculty and graduate students also presented on their research studies.
Assistant Professor, Dana Weiser, Ph.D. featured in National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Journal
Assistant Professor, Dana Weiser, Ph.D. featured in National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Journal
Dr. Weiser's article, titled "Confronting Myths about Sexual Assault: A Feminist Analysis of the False Report Literature" challenges sexual assault myths in hopes of improving survivor support and the criminal justice system. In addition to being featured, the article was made open access for a limited time.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1445772958888863&id=773220276144138&__tn__=-R
Department of Human Development and Family Studies Travels to Texas Tech Costa Rica Campus
HDFS Chair, Dr. Ann Mastergeorge, Graduate Program Director, Dr. Elizabeth Trejos-Castillo, and business manager, Nic Trugillo, were invited to the Texas Tech Costa Rica campus the week of October 29th. Drs. Trejos-Castillo and Mastergeorge gave research talks, a Fulbright presentation, visited community programs, and all three participated in several meetings with the director and chief financial officer to discuss various funding models for future programs. In addition, Nic (as a RHIM online student) also met with students at the Costa Rica campus and held a lively Q & A session. A proposal is being developed to bring HDFS courses (including online and hybrid) and study abroad opportunities to the Costa Rica campus. Stay tuned!
Department Highlights
  • HDFS Professors Instrumental in Launch of New Minor in Mexican-American and Latina/o Studies.
    Learn More >
  • Dr. Jacki Fitzpatrick offered her expertise in an article addressing campus support for students in abusive relationships. Learn More >
  • The Center for Early Head Start held its annual Thanksgiving dinner and toy drive on November 15 for families of Early Head Start. Teachers at the center worked diligently to ensure all 300 or so individuals received a homemade Thanksgiving meal. Each family went home with the book, Baby's First Thanksgiving. Learn More >
  • The HDFS department is excited to announce the upcoming Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Degree Program. If accepted, qualified undergraduate students will begin graduate work during their senior year to finish both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years. 
  • Pending SACSCOC approval, a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in Early Childhood degree option will soon be offered by the HDFS department. Stay tuned for more details.
Texas Tech President Visits CDRC
Texas Tech University President Lawrence
Schovanec Visits the Christine DeVitt and Helen DeVitt Jones Child Development Research Center
On November 2nd, Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec stopped by the Child Development Research Center for a book reading of, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." The preschool class greatly enjoyed their special guest reader. Thank you, President Schovanec!
Combining Research & Engagement: The Texas Tech University Center for Early Head Start
TTU Center for Early Head Start (EHS) provides interdisciplinary research opportunities for faculty and graduate students in fields such as child development, poverty and risk, classroom and playground design, and adult-child interactions. 
HDFS Doctoral Candidate and Fulbright Scholar Presents at International Conference
HDFS Doctoral Candidate and Fulbright Scholar Presents at International Conference
Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) doctoral candidate and Fulbright Scholar, Ivette Noriega, is fostering the academic and cultural ties between the U.S. and other nations – specifically, Mexico.
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/alumni/stories/2018/megan-fadal-alumni-profile.php
Early Childhood Alumna and LISD Teacher of the Month Shares Unique Teaching Experience 
2013 Early Childhood alumna, Megan Fadal, was awarded Lindale I.S.D. Teacher of the Month in February 2018, and Megan wants to achieve Teacher of the Year next.

Learn More >>
Graduate Student of the Month
Human Development and Family Studies doctoral student, Jennifer Rose, Graduate Student Of The Month
After earning her bachelor's degree in HDFS and continuing on to pursue a master's degree in social work, Jennifer knew she wanted to combine her passion for helping with her clinical experience. Texas Tech University's HDFS doctoral program fit her interests perfectly in a way that would allow her to explore research that makes an impact in the lives of many.
Human Development and Family Studies Advisory Board Established
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies has established an Advisory Board comprised of alumni, community representatives with ties to program and supporters.  This dynamic group met for the first time in spring 2017 and had their fall meeting in November of 2018. The team is focused especially on increasing the department’s reach in the areas of student success, alumni relations, and outreach and community engagement. 
CAR Leadership Summit
Frenship ISD Hosts Center for Adolescent Resiliency at Annual Leadership Summit
On November 9, Texas Tech University's Center for Adolescent Resiliency (CAR) and United Future Leaders (UFL) staff joined Frenship ISD's Keith Patrick (HDFS alumnus and HDFS Advisory Board Member) at the Gifted and Talented Leadership Summit for 5th-grade students. The annual leadership summit hosts guests like CAR to teach students effective teamwork and leadership skills.

Learn More >> 


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