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Students interested in developing a deep interdisciplinary understanding of human development and how it informs skilled and ethical professional practice can find their calling in the Human Development and Family Science program within the College of Education and Social Services at �պ�����.

With opportunities to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) or an 18-credit minor, the program emphasizes information literacy, critical reflection, and community-engaged learning experiences rooted in social justice and equitable, strengths-based practices. Graduates are ready to pursue a variety of advanced degrees or professions promoting positive development and healthy relationships that empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive.

This year, Dr. Chistine Proulx and Dr. Jaz Routon will add their unique backgrounds and expertise as full-time faculty members to enhance the program’s teaching, research, and service collaborations.

Christine Proulx, PhD

Dr. Proulx’s research and teaching are shaped by her belief that interpersonal relationships are the bedrock of health and wellbeing across the life course, a conviction she incorporates in her classes on adult development, aging and family relationships. She is a Fellow and a co-editor of the forthcoming Sourcebook of Family Theories and Methodologies (Springer), a seminal volume published approximately every 15 years in the field. 

“I am passionate about skill building for students alongside knowledge creation and sharing,” says Proulx. One of her top goals is to help students improve their critical thinking and writing as well as other workplace skills, such as clear, concise, evidence-based communication. “In addition to connecting with colleagues and students in the program and across the university, I am excited about getting involved in the community, especially around issues of aging because I am a family gerontologist, and my research focuses on middle-aged and older adults.”

Northern New England states have some of the oldest populations in the country, Proulx says. She believes that her research on aging, caregiving, relationships, and health can positively impact the residents of Vermont and surrounding states by identifying ways to stay engaged in the community and promote social connections that benefit mental, cognitive, and physical health.

Her focus is on adults’ social relationships, roles, and health, with a particular emphasis on marriage and caregiving in mid- and later-life. She examines how close relationships and social roles change over time, and how those changes are associated with increases and decreases in mental, physical, and cognitive health. Her recently published articles can be found in , , the , and , among others.

“I was attracted to �պ����� because of the smaller college feel of a campus actively engaged with research, teaching, extension, the local community, and the state,” she explains. “The size of the program and college will allow me to get to know students while providing the resources to continue my research. I took this position because the mission and values of the university, college, and department align with my own, and I felt this was a great opportunity to continue to learn and expand the impact of my teaching and research.”

Jaz Routon, PhD

“The strong commitment to social justice and community engagement motivated me to accept this position,” says Dr. Routon about their role as a full-time lecturer in the Human Development and Family Science program. “I am excited about connecting with students on campus and meeting members of the queer community in Burlington.”

Routon’s unique lens will provide intersectional insight for students and colleagues. “My research focuses on deconstructing systems of oppression through capacity building strategies,” they say, “I am passionate about combating social stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals and families to promote affirming stances.”

Routon studies rural LGBTQ+ individuals and families and their experiences of poverty, housing instability, and other social inequities. Their research critically engages with policy at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels to improve understanding and capacity-building strategies for the health and wellbeing of queer populations. Their work has been published in , LGBT-Parent Families 2nd edition, Family Relations, and the National Council on Family Relations Report.

Driven by a passion for community-engaged research, advocacy, and social justice, Routon served on the Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group to strengthen the advocacy network across the state of Illinois.

They also provided service on boards for various nonprofits including Uniting Pride of Champaign County which advocates for the equality, wellness, and visibility of LGBTQ+ communities in Champaign County, Illinois. Routon led the organization’s training committee that provided educational workshops, such as LGBTQ Cultural Competency, to primary school teachers and staff, incoming university teaching assistants, faith groups, nonprofits, and extension personnel. They also mentored undergraduate student interns interested in providing resources to queer populations.

“Participating in advocacy through community-engaged research and teaching is suicide prevention,” says Routon, “and that’s why leadership in these arenas is so important.”

Human Development and Family Science at �պ�����

To learn more about opportunities to pursue either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or an 18-credit minor, visit the Human Development and Family Science webpage.