Developmental Science Alumni
Shawn Carlson, Ph.D.
Graduated: August, 2023
Employment at time of graduation: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Development and Family Science at Purdue University
Shawn's research interests while in DS program: Socioemotional development in children, child maltreatment, developmental psychopathology, school-based interventions and the school to prison pipeline.
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Joel Hektner
Kerrie Leonard, Ph.D.
Graduated: December 2022
Employment at time of graduation: Equity & Inclusion Program Director for the State of Indiana Dept. of Transportation
Kerrie's research interests while in DS program: Body image and self-esteem and how that intersects with multiracial identities of adolescents
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Heather Fuller
Research Supervisor: Dr. Beth Blodgett-Salafia
Emma Johnson, Ph.D.
Graduated: May, 2022
Employment at time of graduation: Assistant Professor, Division of Counseling and Psychology in Education at the University of South Dakota
Emma's research interests while in DS program: Body image and eating disorders within family systems. Specifically, sibling influences on the development of body dissatisfaction, and trends of the 'ideal' female body.
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Heather Fuller
Research Supervisor: Dr. Beth Blodgett-Salafia
Vimbayi Chinopfukutwa, Ph.D.
Graduated: May, 2021
Employment at time of graduation: Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology, College of St Benedict/St John's University
Vimbayi's research interests while in DS program: My research interests include positive and problem behaviors in adolescents’ development and ways of enriching their lives.
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Joel Hektner
"The NDSU developmental Science Ph.D. program is closely knit which allows students to work together and help each other advance in their careers in the process."
Savanna Westrom Sanders, Ph.D.
Graduated: May, 2021
Employment at time of graduation: Assistant Professor, Psychology Department, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Savanna's research interests while in DS program: Infant development
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Sean Brotherson
Jonix Owino, Ph.D.
Graduated: May, 2021
Employment at time of graduation: Assistant Professor, Psychology Department, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT
Jonix's research interests while in DS program: Integration of new American families/ refugees, Migration, Social Isolation and cultural dynamics as well as Immigration processes.
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Heather Fuller
Maegan Jones, Ph.D.
Graduated: December, 2019
Employment at time of graduation: Visiting Assistant Professor at St. Cloud State University
Current position: Assistant Professor at St. Cloud State University
Maegan's research interests while in DS program: I researched eating disorders and body image, more broadly speaking. Specifically, I looked at what can be done in childhood to prevent the development of eating disorders in the future.
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Blodgett Salafia
Masahiro Toyama, Ph.D.
Graduated: December, 2019
Employment at time of graduation: Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Graceland University, Lamoni, IA
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Psychology, Marshall University, Huntington, WV
Masa's research interests while in DS program: Adult development, aging, well-being, and psychosocial and cultural factors affecting aging and well-being.
DS faculty advisor:Dr. Heather Fuller
"I was excited when I found that the Development Science program at NDSU perfectly matched what I expected. The curriculum of this program covers human development across the lifespan and also includes teaching training"
Courage Chikomborero Mudzongo, Ph.D.
Graduated: August, 2017
Employment at time of graduation: Warner Pacific College, Portland, OR
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Development at Warner Pacific College, Portland, OR
Courage's research interests while in DS program: Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Sexual Behavior, with a focus on STIs and Teen Pregnancy; Contexts—Community, School and Religion; Youth Development; International Development; Faith Based Development; Overseas Mission Trips.
DS Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brandy Randall
Jennifer Wenner, Ph.D.
Graduated: May 2017
Employment at time of graduation: Quality and Evaluation Coordinator, YMCA Metro, Chicago, IL
Current Position: Senior Research Associate at the Center for Program Design and Evaluation, Dartmouth College
Jennifer's research interests while in DS program:Program implementation and evaluation; how positive and problem behaviors develop in adolescents, the contexts in which they develop, and how these affect adolescent development.
DS Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brandy Randall
Alison Brennan, Ph.D.
Graduated: December 2016
Employment at time of graduation: Cass County Extension Services in Fargo; post-doctoral research associate for Michgan State University
Current Position: Extension Specialist at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Alison's research interests while in the DS program:Program evaluation, particularly evaluation of parent training programs and prevention programs for adolescents; adolescent and emerging adult media use, body image, and sexuality.
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Blodgett Salafia.
Tara Zolnikov, Ph.D.
Graduated: May 2015
Employment at time of graduation: Assistant Professor at National University, San Diego, CA
Current Position: Assistant Professor at National University, San Diego, CA
DS faculty advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Blodgett Salafia