Experts say early relationships are key to thriving kids — and lifelong health

What is “early relational health”? It’s a relatively new term for a long-held concept: Relationships are the biological foundation of child development, and when those bonds are healthy and stable, they create the best conditions …

Turning a passion for children’s well-being into policy change: Meet Caroline Pruchnicki x’26

For Caroline Pruchnicki x’26, switching her major to Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) completely transformed her college experience. Before coming to the School of Human Ecology, Pruchnicki moved through challenging semesters marked by unfulfilling …

When there is no map: Human ecology as a compass in navigating AI

How do human ecologists approach the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life? By asking thoughtful questions rooted in human-centered principles, and drawing from longstanding expertise in relationships, communities, consumers and design. “Generative …

Why are gorillas so good at dealing with early life trauma? (Wisconsin Public Radio; Navsaria)

Human Development & Family Studies Clinical Associate Professor Dipesh Navsaria discusses adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how these relate to new research showing that gorillas, unlike other primates and long-lived mammals, do not seem to have long-term negative outcomes after experiencing trauma early in life.