Category: Leadership

Melissa Franks, PhD, Director of the Center for Families, is pleased to announce Kameron Moding, PhD, Human Development and Family Science, as Associate Director of CFF. In this new role, Kameron will guide the strategic direction of the Annual Funding Program. Kameron brings a wealth of research expertise, a collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to advancing multi-disciplinary research about families at Purdue, and through the work of CFF.

Oliver Wendt, CFF Kontos Faculty Scholar, has been elected a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) — one of the highest honors awarded by the association. The distinction recognizes Oliver’s significant contributions to the field of communication sciences and disorders through research, teaching, and professional leadership.

Throughout the 30th anniversary year, the Center for Families has been working with our faculty partners and council members to explore ideas and partnerships that will last beyond a celebration and continue to strengthen research about families throughout Purdue University.

Ellen Ernst Kossek has been named to the 2025-26 fellows class for the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University

Throughout the 30th anniversary year, the Center for Families has been working with our faculty partners and council members to explore ideas and partnerships that will last beyond a celebration and continue to strengthen research about families throughout Purdue University.

At just 13 years old, Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth organized her first conference with the intent of helping enhance processes in her church. Now a distinguished professor in the Purdue University Department of Human Development and Family Science, MacDermid Wadsworth has focused her career on making a greater impact. 

Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth was recognized by the Work and Family Researchers Network for her enduring contributions to the work-family community.

This year, Rob Duncan received the Family Tree Award. This award is given as a way to show gratitude for a person's instrumental role in joining families and communities together, through their support, advocacy, education, influence, and inspiration.

Susan Kontos joined the Purdue University faculty in 1985 in what is now the Department of Human Development and Family Science. Kontos was an international authority as a top-notch researcher who investigated young children’s development through the lens of their...

Valerie Knopik, head of the Department of Human Development and Family Science, has announced the appointment of Melissa Franks as the Director of the Center for Families, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Robert Duncan will continue as Associate Director for Policy....