Kathleen Arcaro is a professor of Environmental Toxicology and a former CRF Family Research Scholar 2012-2013. Arcaro studies breast milk to gain insight into the causes and development of breast cancer. She recently discussed the positive affects the COVID-19 vaccine had on pregnant mothers and their babies. To learn more click here. 

The Center for Research on Families at the UMass Amherst is pleased to announce our class of 2022-22 Family Research Scholars.

Six faculty members in various stages in their research were chosen to participate in this highly selective, year-long interdisciplinary research support program. The program serves to build lasting and productive connections among researchers of varying disciplines by providing concrete skills for successful grant submission, peer and faculty feedback on their developing proposals, individualized methodology consultation with CRF faculty and renown experts, and guidance on funding sources. 

Nancy Folbre, professor emeritus of Economics and former CRF Family Research Scholar 2007-2008, research has focused on the interface between feminist theory and political economy. A recent article from The Washington Post discusses the financial struggles that low-income families went through during the pandemic when childcare became unreliable. To read the article click here. 

Paula Pietromonaco, professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences and former CRF Family Research Scholar 2003-2004 and 2015-2016, work focuses on how people think, feel and behave in the context of their closest relationships. In a recent study published in Nature Reviews Psychology, it was found that people with relationship insecurities in their romantic relationship can end up "spilling over” into other relationships. To learn more about Dr. Pietromonaco’s research findings here.