assistant professor of human development and family studies in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Education: Ph.D. (human development and family studies), M.S. (human development and family studies), Auburn University; B.A. (psychology), Randolph-Macon College
Courses teaching: HDFS 405 (Adolescent Development) in spring 2016, as well as future courses on stress and children’s development, parenting-family relationships and child development.
Research interests: Her research interests include child and adolescent development in the context of stress, particularly the interplay between individual and environmental factors that provide protection or increase vulnerability to maladjustment.
“As a program that emphasizes a ‘cells-to-society’ approach to understanding human development and interpersonal relations, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Kelly Tu,” said Susan Silverberg Koerner, the head of the department, which was formerly called human and community development. “Having recently completed a two-year postdoctoral research fellowship, she brings expertise in bio-psycho-social perspectives on child-adolescent adjustment, including the role of autonomic nervous system activity (indexed through sympathetic and parasympathetic responses) in the context of familial and peer stressors and youths’ adaptation across multiple social domains. Dr. Tu also has an exceptional record of teaching and mentoring, making her an outstanding addition to our faculty.”
Why Illinois? “I chose Illinois because I was looking for a place where I could expand my program of research in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment,” Tu said. “The innovative research being conducted in the department of human development and family studies, as well as across the university more broadly, is impressive, and I am excited to join an institution with outstanding faculty members who are forging new paths in their fields.
“The warm welcome and incredible support I have received from my department and others across the university have shown me that Illinois will be a great place for me to develop and thrive professionally.”
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