The Illinois Prevention Science and Family Health lab conducts translational research that aims to promote family health and well-being for individuals in the state of Illinois and across the country. Our research is grounded primarily in fields of prevention science and family science, while also drawing on emerging findings from health psychology, human development, and public health.

We conduct research in two primary areas. The first area involves basic research investigating family processes that function as risk or protective mechanisms affecting individuals’ health and well-being. The second area, focused on applied research, involves developing and evaluating family-centered prevention programs, particularly for at-risk populations. Across these two areas, we conduct studies using various designs, including longitudinal cohort studies, randomized prevention trials, and quasi-experimental studies. Our research is very transdisciplinary, involving colleagues from multiple disciplines and assessing constructs ranging from broad societal factors to underlying biological markers of health.

We strive for research that is rigorous and relevant, innovative and impactful. Whether as a research participant or team member, we hope you can join us in this endeavor.